AllMusic calls Son of a Preacher Man a "soulful, sexy collection," with "percolating grooves [that] capture the singer at her hippest." Reviewer Jason Ankeny highlights "Almost Persuaded" and "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," saying the songs "boast an earthy appeal that contrasts sharply with Wilson's signature sophistication, pushing the singer in unexpected but fascinating directions."[1]High Fidelity News hails the "selection of killer blues and soul tracks," including the title song, "delivered with such panache that you wonder why this ever went out of print."[3]
The album entered the Billboard 200 on July 5, 1969, peaking at No. 122.[4] It achieved more success on Billboard's Hot R&B LPs, reaching No. 20 and staying on the chart for 23 weeks.[5]
In 2013, SoulMusic Records released a digitally remastered version of the album, paired with Hurt So Bad, another Wilson record from the same time period.[6]