Bryan Wilson

At an age when most young artists are making their initial splash on the music industry, child gospel star Bryan Wilson is actually making a comeback. In 1994, the then-12 year old’s soulful, melismatic rendition of “His Eye on the Sparrow” with the Mississippi Children’s Choir made him an overnight gospel sensation.  What followed was Dove and Stellar award nominations, two solo CDS and tours with a who’s who of gospel artists such as John P. Kee, Albertina Walker and Wilson’s mentor, the late James Moore. After a voice change and time off for college at Princeton University, Wilson is now ready for A Second Coming.

A Second Coming is Wilson’s first CD release since 1999 and it’s a departure. Wilson’s childhood music was traditional, old school gospel. “I had no choice in what I sang.” he laughs. “They basically handed me some songs and said do you like this one or that one?”  So, not only is the new project an exciting blend of faith and urban rhythms; but it’s the first time Wilson had a hand in writing, co-producing and arranging all of the songs.  “My manager had asked some known songwriters to submit songs for the project and nothing came through,” Wilson recalls. “So, I just started writing what the Lord placed on my heart and this is the result.”

Wilson was born on November 3, 1981 in Danville, IL. He’s the middle child of his mother Sheila’s three sons. She and her family sang in a family gospel group called the Davis Singers. Wilson was only about six when he first began singing with them. “My grandfather was the major influence in my life up to that time,” Wilson says.  “He told me to keep on singing and to carry on the family tradition. The first time I ever sang a solo was at my grandfather’s funeral.  It was kind of ironic that it was he who started me singing, and that my solo happened to be at his funeral. ” Aside, from his family, Wilson grew up studying the vocal licks of the Anointed Pace Sisters and the Clark Sisters.