Mustang Sally

Wilson Pickett

About Mustang Sally

"Mustang Sally" is a rhythm and blues (R&B) song written and first recorded by Mack Rice in 1965. It was released on the Blue Rock label (4014) in May 1965 with "Sir Mack Rice" as the artist. The song uses an AAB layout with a 24-bar structure. It gained greater popularity when Wilson Pickett covered it the following year on a single, a version that was also released on the 1966 album, The Wicked Pickett. Also in 1966, John Lee Hooker recorded an entirely different song with a similar title — "Mustang Sally & GTO".  


Year:
2008
3:05
276 
#2

Lyrics currently unavailable…


Wilson Pickett

Wilson Pickett (March 18, 1941 – January 19, 2006) was an American R&B/Soul singer and songwriter. more »

4 fans


12 facts about this song

Composition and Control
"Mustang Sally" was originally composed by American rhythm and blues artist, Sir Mack Rice, not by Wilson Pickett or John Lee Hooker.
First Recording
The song was first recorded by its composer, Sir Mack Rice, in 1965.
Wilson Pickett's Cover
It was later made famous by Wilson Pickett when he covered it in 1966, and this version peaked at number six on the Billboard R&B charts.
Pickett and Rice's Connections
Interestingly, Wilson Pickett and Sir Mack Rice were old bandmates from the group 'The Falcons.'
Genre and Influence
The song belongs to the rhythm and blues genre. It has subsequently influenced and has been covered by numerous artists across various musical genres.
John Lee Hooker's Version
Blues singer, John Lee Hooker, also performed his version of "Mustang Sally." Although it didn't achieve the same commercial success as Pickett's, it's revered among blues enthusiasts for Hooker's distinctive sound.
Musicianship
John Lee Hooker's version is a testament to his phenomenal guitar playing skills, showcasing his ability to breathe new life into a well-known song.
Pickett's Adaptation
In Wilson Pickett's version, he changed the pacing from the original, slowing it down, and adding a call and response element which went on to become a distinctive feature in his musical style.
Cultural Impact
The song is known for its famous line, "Ride, Sally, Ride," and Mustang Sally became a cultural symbol representing a feisty, independent woman.
Movie Appearance
Pickett's version of "Mustang Sally" also figured prominently in the 1991 movie "The Commitments," about an Irish band trying to play classic American R&B.
Popularity in Sports
The song is frequently played during sporting events. For instance, it became a tradition to play the song at University of Alabama's football games whenever a player named Sally was performing exceptionally.
Legacy
Over the years, "Mustang Sally" has become a standard in the world of blues and R&B, secure in its place as a beloved, timeless classic.

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    Mustang Sally

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1966

    Billboard #23


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