“In the Midnight Hour” is a classic soul song recorded by American singer Wilson Pickett. Released in 1965, the song became one of Pickett’s most famous hits and a defining track of the soul and R&B genres during the 1960s.
Written by Wilson Pickett and Steve Cropper of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, “In the Midnight Hour” is characterized by its infectious rhythm, energetic horns, and Pickett’s powerful vocals. The lyrics express a sense of longing and desire, with the narrator pleading for his lover to wait for him until the midnight hour when he will return.
The song’s driving beat and Pickett’s soulful delivery made it an instant hit. “In the Midnight Hour” reached the top of the Billboard R&B chart and became a top 25 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its success helped establish Wilson Pickett as a prominent figure in the soul music scene and solidified his reputation as one of the genre’s great vocalists.
Over the years, “In the Midnight Hour” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films and television shows, showcasing its enduring popularity and influence on the music industry. The song remains a classic example of the soul music of the 1960s and continues to be celebrated by fans of the genre.