WILSON PICKETT DEAD AT 64

We've got this little game going with Smitty. When someone of note dies, we try to spring the news on each other.

It all began in October 1989. Smitty called and said, "What about the earthquake?"

To his great amusement we replied: Huh?

"Turn on the TV," Smitty said. "There's been an earthquake at the World Series!"

Oops.

Since then we have traded hundred of phone calls, the latest being our call to him when Shelley Winters kicked. Smitty was playing golf with Mayor Dan at the time; Hizzoner then learned the background on the competition.

Just now, Mayor Dan called us.

"Wilson Pickett," he exclaimed. It seems three can play the game.

From The Associated Press:

Wilson Pickett, the soul pioneer best known for the fiery hits “Mustang Sally” and “In The Midnight Hour,” died of a heart attack Thursday, according to his management company. He was 64.

Chris Tuthill of the management company Talent Source said Pickett had been suffering from health problems for the past year.

A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Pickett — known as the “Wicked Pickett” — became a star with his soulful hits in the 1960s.

Of course we called Smitty. Yes, Mayor Dan gets the credit and the point.