Wilson Pickett

In the Midnight Hour

First released1965

"In the Midnight Hour" was recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama in 1965, a pivotal location for Southern soul music production. The album was produced by Jerry Wexler and Tom Dowd, who were instrumental in shaping Pickett's sound during his tenure at Atlantic Records. The session featured the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound musicians, including guitarist Jimmy Johnson and the rhythm section that became known for their tight, groove-oriented arrangements. The title track, written by Steve Cropper and Wilson Pickett, showcased the innovative use of a syncopated rhythm guitar riff that became one of the most recognizable elements of 1960s soul music. The recording sessions helped establish Muscle Shoals as a premier destination for soul and R&B recording, influencing the production approach for countless subsequent recordings.