Wilson Pickett on Letterman, January 15, 1986

Wilson performs "Land of 1,000 Dances" and then chats with Dave.

[@kenbarber6592]

To watch a guy come out and do a live version like that, and the studio band go for broke - what a blast!!!

[@zirconarmadillo]

You gotta bring the heat if you're gonna back Wilson Pickett.

[@pattimoore35]

Damn...Wilson and the drummer connecting on a planetary level...

[@StevenCarinci]

Steve Jordan...currently touring with the Rolling Stones.

[@MD-lf3gt]

Otis and Pickett were the greatest. I’m blessed that I was a teen when they were around.

[@MrSongbird-Rico]

WOW so good!

[@markwilliams7091]

The band was loving this.

[@pattimoore35]

I am 70, grew up in South Jersey in the Philly radio market. After watching this, I feel 16 again. Thank you, Mr. Pickett, and Paul and the band. And Paul...Your drummer is unbelievable. In

[@MONKMONEY-hu1gw]

The drummer understood the assignment. 😆

[@Sincopare]

I bet the boys in the band put this night in their top ten of all time. It just doesn't get any more fun than land of 10,000 dances!

[@squirrelpatrick3670]

they are really giving it some... you can tell they really mean it

[@squirrelpatrick3670]

I would guess they rehearsed without Pickett present and he just rocked up for the show

[@etaoinshrdlu7247]

This is great. You can see that the band was totally geeked to play with Wilson Pickett. For good reason. I mean, you back up Wilson Pickett, you better bring your A game.

[@bbking0064]

The band was getting right into it 110% supporting a legend.

[@franz909]

thats bcs it was required cause they knew they were dealing with a black hurricane and knew the tone required ...and his band was always an extension of voice .

[@johnjames945]

Legend my ass he was a woman beating bully crazy as batshit very overrated too...heart as black as his skin

[@bbking0064]

@@johnjames945 Whilst I'm not in a position to comment on his character, WP was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame, and National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. I suggest you take it up with them to set the record straight.

[@SuperKazmierski]

I'm so glad this is available to watch. There's a world where this performance was seen only once... what a gift. Thank the lord for video tape.

[@WhizMitchell]

Incredible performance!

[@teetarquin7012]

Huge part of my youth. I feel so blessed to have lived during the time of great artists like Wilson Pickett.

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Oh Yes

[@tonygallo1104]

i used to try to emulate his voice and soulfullness!

[@teetarquin7012]

@Jim Crawford Jim, I’m 69 years old. Stop assuming.

[@adriennerobinson1180]

@Jim Crawford Ok,And how do you know this?

[@tonygallo1104]

@Jim Crawford for a white guy i did pretty good..

[@kishawolson7679]

Wow just learning about Wilson P...this guy was something else.....🎉❤🎉❤ LOVE IT!!!!!

[@bennyjazzful]

GOD---Wilson was a good looking dude & one of the greatest vocalists of all time. From a mad keen 77yo Aussie fan.

[@sandraatkins2539]

Yes Pickett sounded good and he looked great as well. I love his voice.❤

[@joeyfitz9]

That was seriously one of THE most incredible things mine eyes have ever seen. Daaaaamn. That freaky Pickett.

[@francescobaiz312]

Fantastico wilson pickket. Tra i grandi (pochi) del soul per sempre.

[@TheCecil64]

I grew up listening to Wilson Picket - and The Rolling Stones. I had the Best.

[@Deemac70]

This is so great that’s what real music is all about 👍🎸🍺❤

[@eurostarnamastar3128]

Wilson ....put the 'S' in Soul Music !!!!! Monster of a performer .... Always !

[@janinegrako5927]

Paul Schaefer jammin' with the great Wilson Pickett. How cool is that!!

[@dongiller]

Shaffer; Paul Shaffer.

[@janinegrako5927]

@@dongillerI didn’t watch letterman

[@dongiller]

@@janinegrako5927 And?

[@janinegrako5927]

@@dongillerI spelled his name wrong oh well!!

[@Thomasgene]

God Blessed us with The talent of Wilson Pickett!

[@oldtimer7635]

God (wich one are you referring anyway?) had nothing to do with that. It was his parents, and loooooong evolution before it. ; )

[@jamescole8355]

@@oldtimer7635 we didn't evolve from monkeys nigga

[@317stitches2]

I just love Wilson Pickett. I love his songs and enjoyed dancing to his music!

[@avantill]

The Screaming Machine, Excellent !!!!!!!!!!!

[@beverlyellis6131]

Mr. Pickett was so real and down too earth,just being his self,love you so much,Rest easy.

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Oh Yes My Baby

[@johnjames945]

Woman. Beating bully crazy as batshit ugly too

[@cascade3769]

He was an asshole to Tom Jones though.

[@toastertwo1602]

​@cascade3769 Yeah, I've read that article. Despite criticizing white people, Wilson still felt comfortable recording their music, like "Hey Jude". He said to Tom, that in future, black people won't need him and others, cause they will have their own TV-Shows. Well, black people sure did get their own shows, but Wilson still went to such shows as "David Letterman Show". Offended guy.

[@phasefivevideo]

This made my night!!! Awesome performance on classic Letterman

[@midnite22767]

God I miss David, I thank him for having on one of the greatest R&B singers of all time. Got a chance to see Mr. Pickett live in concert in Italy about 5 years before he died. One of the best concerts I ever saw. RIP!!!

[@lluisfontrodona5094]

Jo el vaig veure als Jardins de Cap Roig un parell d' anys abans de morir, estaba molt prim i probablement había vegut, però va ser inoblidable. ❤️

[@virgorising7388]

God, I hated Letterman. What a phony. Like all "liberals" he's a fake and a nasty man. Wilson Pickett puts him in the shade. Not deliberately, he's a natural. That's soul.

[@schrodingcheshirecat]

Oh man, no way. Killing it!

[@diamondintheroughiamthelaw9682]

Total jam!!🎶🎶🎵😄🇺🇸

[@rubyjones7441]

Fantastic 😅🤠

[@michaelkoszowski3716]

One of my favorites of all time , period .

[@humbertoflores2545]

I used to work in USA 10 years ago and this singer was a total surprise for me.. a lot of energy and groove.. he is not my time but I liked it a lot.

[@PANDA-rn3zx]

2021...still awesome...

[@lyndajay4407]

Mr. Pickett sounded great and you can tell Paul was so excited to play for him. This performance happened on my birthday!

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Oh Wow.Yes

[@mikekisonu6825]

Lo, many years past his initial “hey day,” the “Wicked Pickett” still had “it,”… and BRUNG it! 😲 Lord have mercy! 😎

[@jamescastillo2405]

100% Pure American soul power😎👍🇺🇲

[@sammavacaist]

He must have been quite the lady magnet in the 60s. He still looks pretty damn good for his age here! And he's charming and funny.

[@bluesboy8237]

He's 45 years of age here.

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Oh Yes. Ypu know it

[@jaketm4500]

What a JAM! every time this song comes on when were working in the shop,its mandatory for all productive work to cease and an dance battle throw down happens.its an oldies station so thats at least 4 times a week. ! lol lots of improvised instruments and wild dance moves ,shiit we need to make a hidden camera tik tok

[@franz909]

I dont think there was a singer whose charisma on stage and off matched his voice . He was the Greatest !

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Truth Indeed AMEN

[@cascade3769]

Elvis. Duh !

[@notsodivinemsm8936]

​@@cascade3769 Elvis would be green with envy!!

[@cascade3769]

@@notsodivinemsm8936 Pickett didn't have the versatility. Can you imagine him singing a soft ballad like "Always on my mind" or "Are you lonesome tonight?" Na.

[@notsodivinemsm8936]

@@cascade3769 Just because he didn't doesn't mean he couldn't. We'll never know, will we?

[@chuckspeer2163]

the man had energy

[@juliettedebacker485]

Thank you Wilson Pickett for this great interview, i feel happy every time i listen to it

[@cascade3769]

You feel happy he sexually harassed a woman?

[@lawrencejeffrey9245]

What a wonderfully talented man. I can remember watching Paul Schaffer playing Mr. Pickett's music in my youth in Thunder Bay Ontario. Thank you Wilson and Thank you Paul for many great times. I would go back to live those days over tomorrow.

[@dongiller]

Shaffer; Paul Shaffer.

[@lawrencejeffrey9245]

@@dongiller Sorry, I threw in a c. I used to see him in Thunder Bay when he used to come home and visit his Mum. I remember seeing him in the Vahalla Inn. Always drank Labatt"s 50 ale.

[@cesarulisesrodriguez9724]

The one and only..Wilson pickett

[@michaelmitchell5098]

Gotta love the guy...same dance steps since 1965😏!!!

[@Phillip-y6d]

wow, what a dude !

[@vanessaecampbell]

Once again…live gorgeous sound from wonderful musicians and sound technicians!!! Thank you Paul and Fave and the crew who did it all.

[@michaelhall596]

Just love the drumming!!!! It's just... Get's me!!!!

[@ChristianMcBrideTV]

They ROCKED this!!!! Whew!!!!!

[@dongiller]

An honor, Mr. McBride!

[@ChristianMcBrideTV]

Don Giller Thank you for posting, Don! The first two times I saw James Brown (‘82 & ‘83), Wilson Pickett opened. Two of the most unforgettable performances of my LIFE!!!

[@evasingleton9326]

I love this when he did it in Africa, Land of a thousand dances!! That the time Africa REALLY proves they can dance a tune a thousand different ways on the same jam!!!

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Truth Indeed

[@alittlebitoflight]

Thank you for uploading this. Joy. It's a beautiful thing.

[@bandicoot5412]

The Great Wilson Pickett, thank you!

[@Rasbiff]

"... That's also a felony." my God I love Letterman being Letterman.

[@prettycountrygirl2]

Wow. Paul really got into this song/music. Great clip. Thanks.

[@thomasminarchickjr.7355]

He’s a big P-Funk fan too

[@rosesaffron8149]

Wilson Pickett will remain an icon forever and ever. God Bless him. 🎶🎵🥁🎧🎸

[@chocodiledundee1]

I saw Wilson Pickett in Sydney, Australia at the Enmore theatre , it would’ve been 2001-2002 my great friend Bartley Malloco told me “Man you got go see Wilson Pickett “ so I did , he rocked and soul our brains out , then he introduced his band members one by one and then he introduced his guitar player as “ after watching the commitments motion picture I love so much how he played my songs that I hired him to be in my band “ yes man the commitments guitarist was in Wilson Pickett’s band and he was on fire , at Enmore theatre I also saw Joe Cocker , Cypruss Hill and Zakk Wilde .... and they all had killer performances . R.I.P Wilson Pickett

[@inhymn]

I could see Eddie Murphy portraying Mr. Pickett in a bio pic.

[@theprofessor8589]

Clifton Powell would be better.

Eddie Murphy as a young Wilson Pickett and Carl Weathers as the older Wilson Pickett. All three of them could pass as blood brothers.

[@catboyzee]

I've often said that Eddie's entire 'singing' career is little more than an extended Wilson Pickett impression, especially his Dreamgirls portrayal of James 'Thunder' Early. Respect and RIP to the Wicked Pickett.

[@simonboyes2550]

Didn't think so at first - but that hands on chest gesture at 4:36 was pure Murphy

[@genniejefferson6588]

I said the same.

[@cherokeebjones]

He passed away 4 days later on Jan. 19, 2006. Thanks for posting this.

[@dongiller]

Well, 20 years and 4 days later.

[@cherokeebjones]

you are right! Pickett was a friend of mine and my husband who also passed on Jan. 19, 2007, I feel a little traumatized whenever I recall the passing of loved ones. Thanks Don.

[@dongiller]

Wow; you were a blessed soul.

[@cherokeebjones]

Thank You, I am blessed. Pickett and I worked together on several songs and on a production in Muscle Shoals, Ala. He left us too soon.

[@keithchanner]

He did an album on Motown in the mid 80s check out the track "Don't Turn Away" Awesome ballad! the man could sing y'all

[@brandonrhodes10]

He straight killed this set

[@mack9791]

His version of “Hey Jude” is incredible. Talented guy.

[@Tusk_III]

Good music brings us all together. If you can’t understand, it’s a damn shame.

[@dorothymays-pitts3834]

Wilson is funny as hell 😀😀💖I like him. DPitts

[@suebrown2928]

Missed you Wilson Rest In Peace I will always remember the great show at apollo in NYC and the local clubs in New York City North highlandHighschoolinprattvilleAlabama

[@paulcado4281]

great band, great Wilson and the drummer was on top!

[@lutherwilliams8429]

Yeah!!! This performance is lit🔥

[@genniejefferson6588]

Very handsome, the best voice.

[@KeiW]

I love the Wicked Pickett. 💃

[@richardromero2707]

He's on fire

[@JONNYHOTROD]

WHAT A LEGEND!!!!!! WHAT A SINGER!!!!!!!

[@user-Jill5dz6ot2n]

ありがとうございます！🎉🙌🙌🙌🙌👍👍👍👍

[@beckwil0852]

Love this guy!

[@bennyjazzful]

WOW WOW WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! From a mad keen 74yo Aussie fan.

[@buckfaststradler4629]

Lord have mercy!!!!

[@mariastewart8810]

RIDE SALLY RIDE - is another one of my favorite songs from him

[@ronniemoon57]

It's actually called MUSTANG SALLY

[@cascade3769]

Who would want to ride Sally Ride?

[@cliffbooth3157]

That was insane

[@strat8333]

great performance!

[@poopsiekins2732]

NO body even tries to re-do land of 1000 dances!

[@paltielbenyamin1273]

So fine.

[@kurirkopi4523]

best video i've seen lately!

[@cstyles744]

I can't believe how Wilson was in real life. I always saw him with a smile on his face. If you want to read about him go to Ashley says so on KZbin be ready to hear an unbelievable story

[@bohkhuj9247]

Those are rumors it don’t mean it’s facts !

[@johnjames945]

@@bohkhuj9247 it's facts he was a woman beating bully am glad he is gone the crazy sob

[@bohkhuj9247]

@@johnjames945 was you there ?

[@johnjames945]

@@bohkhuj9247 was u there either asshole? Coz there are many victims who have written about it and who are u to doubt thier word after them being attacked by this monster thug

[@StevenCarinci]

Christ...what a performance.

[@exterminator_1986]

Man that is dope!!

[@LisaEllis-rt3xh]

Wicked, Wicked,Wilson Pickett! ❤!

[@lindawade7284]

ROCK ON INTO 2022 !

[@tony6896]

Respect

[@diegocervera834]

Que potencia🤟

[@nitta-kun]

カッコ良すぎる！！！☆

[@SlideJones]

Paul Shaffer is back their JAMMIN!

[@carl7674]

The wicked Pickett

[@richardlafontaine5049]

Damn! I fell outta my chair!

[@MrRed-tf7bv]

1986, l was still in high school

[@scottmclennan6114]

Greatest scream in the biz.

[@mr.wordsworth]

Wow. Yes! And the Dummer...yes!

[@5thcorps]

WILSON PICKETT. OG

[@blackamore1826]

Hell yeah that's what I'm talking about

[@Mery420]

Energy !!

[@rockabill1313]

The blow was mighty!

[@NoahCorrigan-u2b]

Wicked Wilson Pickett

[@kamariatoure42]

MY MARCH 18TH BROTHA!

[@cburns3256]

Paul Shafer had the best gig in town !

[@dongiller]

Shaffer; Paul Shaffer.

[@SilverLoggerhead]

❤❤❤