Mustang Sally by Wilson Pickett
Wilson Pickett is one of the most iconic voices in soul and R&B music. With his powerful and emotional vocals, he became known as the "Wicked Pickett" and earned his place in music history. One of Pickett's most famous songs is "Mustang Sally," a classic that has been covered by countless artists and remains a fan favorite to this day.
The Song's Origin
"Mustang Sally" was written by Mack Rice, a songwriter and performer who started his career in the 1950s with the doo-wop group the Falcons. Rice wrote the song in 1965, inspired by a Datsun dealership in Detroit where he saw a group of young women admiring a Mustang car. The original lyrics were "Mustang Mama," but Rice changed them to "Mustang Sally" after he realized it sounded better.
The Song's Meaning
"Mustang Sally" is a song about a woman who loves her car more than her man. The narrator of the song urges Sally to slow down and take it easy, but she refuses and drives away, leaving him behind. The song is a classic example of the "car song" genre, which was popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
The Song's Structure
"Mustang Sally" is a relatively simple song in terms of its structure. The verses and choruses follow a similar chord progression, and the song has a memorable melody that is easy to sing along to. The song starts with a short guitar riff, which is repeated throughout the song. Wilson Pickett's vocals are the highlight of the song, with his powerful range bringing the lyrics to life.
The Song's Legacy
"Mustang Sally" was a hit for Wilson Pickett when it was released in 1966. It reached #6 on the R&B charts and #23 on the pop charts. Since then, the song has been covered by countless artists, including Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, and The Commitments. It has also been featured in several movies, including "The Blues Brothers" and "The Color Purple."
Why "Mustang Sally" is a Classic
"Mustang Sally" is a classic song because it has everything that a great soul and R&B song needs. It has a memorable melody, powerful vocals, and relatable lyrics. The song's theme of a woman who loves her car more than her man is something that many people can relate to. In addition, the song's simplicity and catchiness make it easy to sing along to and remember.
Conclusion
"Mustang Sally" is one of Wilson Pickett's most famous songs for good reason. It has everything that a great soul and R&B song needs: a memorable melody, powerful vocals, and relatable lyrics. The song's popularity has endured over the years, with countless artists covering it and using it in movies. If you haven't heard "Mustang Sally" yet, you're missing out on one of the greats of music history.