Photo Credit: Wilson Pickett Estate
Primary Wave Music announces a partnership with the estate of Wilson Pickett covering the legendary soul singer’s catalog, name, image, and likeness.
Leading indie publisher Primary Wave Music has announced a partnership with the estate of the legendary Wilson Pickett. The partnership will see Primary Wave work alongside the estate on Pickett’s music publishing catalog, as well as share in his name, image, and likeness rights.
The estate will gain access to Primary Wave’s marketing team and publishing infrastructure, with both working closely on new marketing, branding, digital, and sync opportunities, as well as film and television projects.
A major figure in the development of American soul music, Pickett recorded some of the most well-known and respected songs in the genre. His repertoire includes over 50 songs that made the U.S. R&B charts, many crossing over to the Billboard Hot 100. His impact in soul music can be heard throughout his music catalog, including hits like “In the Midnight Hour,” “Mustang Sally,” “Land of a Thousand Dances,” and many more.
Over the course of his nearly five-decade-long career, the five-time Grammy nominee received continuous recognition for his contributions to music. These also include songs he wrote for Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Booker T. & The MGs, Genesis, Los Lobos, Bruce Springsteen, and more.
Wilson Pickett died of a heart attack on January 19, 2006, at age 64.
“Promoting my brother’s incredible legacy has not just been a responsibility; it has been a labor of absolute love,” shared Max Pickett. “Wilson poured his soul into every lyric, leaving us a musical inheritance that belongs to the world. Since his passing, it has been my sacred mission to ensure that his voice continues to echo for generations to come. I am profoundly grateful to partner with Primary Wave—stewards who truly understand the weight of his history and the timeless power of his sound. Together, we are keeping the Wicked Pickett’s fire burning bright.”
“Primary Wave is honored to partner with Max Pickett and the Pickett family to help preserve and expand the legacy of one of the most influential artists in music history. Wilson Pickett was a once-in-a-generation talent, an iconic soul singer, an electrifying performer, and one of the defining voices of American music,” added Primary Wave’s David Weitzman.
“His remarkable body of work, created alongside legendary collaborators including Jerry Wexler, the Stax Records team, the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, and Gamble & Huff, helped shape the sound of soul and R&B for generations. We are proud to celebrate his extraordinary career and ensure that his legacy continues to reach new audiences for years to come.”