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Bryan Andrew Wilson
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Key Information
Bryan Andrew Wilson (born November 3, 1983) is an American gospel musician. He calls his music "spiritual soul" because it combines the passion of faith with the sound of R&B. Wilson began his career as a child gospel star, belting out "His Eye is on the Sparrow" with the Mississippi Children's Choir in the 1990s. After nearly a decade away from the music business, Wilson resurfaced in 2008 with an adult R&B-flavored style of urban inspirational gospel music that has proven successful with his recent Billboard Magazine chart hits, "Turning Away" (2014) and "Overflow" (2016). Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart.

Early life
[edit]Wilson was born Bryan Andrew Wilson in Danville, Illinois, on November 3, 1983, to Sheila Davis Wilson and Beau Briggs.[1] Wilson came into prominence when he led the song "His Eye is on the Sparrow" with the Mississippi Children's Choir when he was young. The song was featured on the live recording "A New Creation," which sold 100,000 units in 1995. The YouTube videos of Wilson performing the song have amassed more than three million views, and the success led to a recording deal with Malaco Records. His debut album, "Bryan's Songs," was produced by gospel legends such as Kirk Franklin, John P. Kee, and Walter Hawkins. The album earned Wilson the Dove Award and Stellar Gospel Music Award nominations. He performed his radio single, "Blessed Assurance," to a standing ovation on the Stellar Awards in 1997. After his voice changed, Wilson temporarily lost his upper vocal range. "I remember going places and they would want me to sing in certain keys, and a couple of times some audiences, even though I was a teenager, they booed me."[2] Frustrated, Wilson figured his singing days were behind him, so he left music and enrolled in college. He graduated from Claflin University during their May 2004 commencement ceremony with a bachelor's degree in Religion and Philosophy.[1][3] Subsequently, he went onto Princeton Theological Seminary, where he studied for a year.[1][3] By 2008, Wilson had returned to music with his third solo album, "A Second Coming." It received a rave review from Billboard Magazine's gospel editor, Gordon Ely, but the Dallas Morning News' reporter, Selwyn Crawford, was less enthusiastic. "It's a nice effort, but much of the CD sounds like what it is—a former star trying to reinvent himself. Too bad that Bryan Wilson's `second coming' is not the one we're looking for."[4]
Music career
[edit]After seven years of trying to find a new musical footing, Wilson finally hit pay dirt in 2014 with the release of the haunting ballad, "Turning Away." It reached No. 15 on Billboard Magazine's Gospel Airplay chart and No. 21 on its Hot Gospel Songs chart. "My message is gospel, but I'm singing from my soul, my experience," he told The Clarion Ledger's Jacob Threadgill in an interview. "If you hear a crack in my voice, it is because of the pain that I had to go through." It anchored his fifth album, "The One Percent." The project featured a variety of musical styles. He gave Ben E. King's 1961 classic, "Stand by Me," a Caribbean dance flavor, and he injected Jesus Culture's epic tune, "Show Me Your Glory" with a shot of gospel energy and fused it with a festive rendition of Will Reagan's "Set A Fire." An ASCAP editor wrote of the album that, "Wilson blends a mix of modern soul, funk and gospel styles in songs full of infectious arrangements and personal lyrics. This passionate and vibrant recording is a testament to gospel music's enduring power and growth."[5] Wilson continued his musical comeback with "Overflow (Let Your Spirit)," which features the group Roderick Giles & Grace on background vocals. It reached No. 12 on Billboard Magazine's Gospel Airplay chart, No. 20 on its Hot Gospel Songs chart and No. 1 on its Gospel Recurrent chart in the summer of 2016. The upbeat track earned Wilson his first Stellar Gospel Music Award nominations since his teenage years. It was nominated in the categories of Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year and Best Duo/Group of the Year.[6]
Wilson's latest radio single, "Whoa!," is an inspirational, feel-good track. In the Journal of Gospel Music, editor Bob Marovich writes that, "Wilson opens 2017 with a well-crafted single whose message of encouragement is a life saver in the midst of a swirling rapid...`Whoa!' is a fine follow up to `Overflow' and much closer to `Turning Away' in appeal. Check out Bryan's crystalline high notes at the end."[7]
Albums/EPs
[edit]| Title | Album | Billboard Gospel Albums Chart |
Peak chart positions[8] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Top Singles | |||
| This Time |
|
– | 2 |
| Overflow |
|
– | – |
| The One Percent |
|
19 | – |
| Limited Edition |
|
– | – |
| A Second Coming |
|
– | – |
| Growing Up |
|
– | – |
| Bryan's Song's |
|
14 | – |
| A New Creation |
|
12 | – |
Radio Singles
[edit]| Year | Single | Peak chart positions | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Gospel Airplay |
Billboard Hot Gospel Songs |
Mediabase Gospel Airplay Recurrent |
Mediabase Gospel Airplay |
Mediabase R&B Airplay |
Nielsen BDS Gospel Activity |
Nielsen BDS Smooth Jazz Activity |
Mediabase Smooth AC Chart |
Billboard Gospel Airplay Audience |
Billboard Recurrent Gospel Airplay | |||||
| 2022 | The Ride | 5 | 21 | 1 | 8 | 60 | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| 2020 | "With Every Beat of My Heart" | 24 | — | — | 23 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| 2019 | "This Time" | 27 | — | — | 26 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| 2019 | "Only You" | — | — | — | — | — | — | 25 | 16 | — | — | |||
| 2018 | I Put You First | 27 | — | 23 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| 2017 | "Whoa!" | 20 | — | — | 17 | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| 2016 | "Overflow (Let Your Spirit)" | 12 | 20 | — | 14 | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | |||
| 2015 | "Show Me Your Glory" | — | — | — | 53 | — | 36 | — | — | — | — | |||
| 2015 | "Faithful God" | 30 | — | — | 52 | — | 31 | — | — | 30 | — | |||
| 2014 | "Turning Away" | 15 | 21 | 16 | — | 79 | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| 2013 | "It Will Happen For Me" | — | — | — | 98 | — | 86 | — | — | — | — | |||
| 2012 | "Expect You Now" | — | — | — | — | — | 66 | — | — | — | — | |||
| 2012 | "Everybody Clap Your Hands" | — | — | — | — | — | 38 | — | — | — | — | |||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or not released to that country | ||||||||||||||
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Carpenter, Bil (2005). "Uncloudy Days: The Gospel Music Encyclopedia": 450–2.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ "Singer returns to personal 'Mecca' in Jackson".
- ^ a b Leggett, Steve. "Bryan Andrew Wilson : Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved April 8, 2015.
- ^ "The Anniston Star from Anniston, Alabama on April 5, 2008 · Page 28". April 5, 2008.
- ^ "ASCAP Audio Portrait: Bryan Wilson's The One Percent". ASCAP. June 16, 2014. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
- ^ "2017 WINNERS – StellarTV". Archived from the original on August 20, 2018. Retrieved March 13, 2017.
- ^ "JGM Pick of the Week: January 9, 2017". January 10, 2017.
- ^ Billboard. "Bryan Andrew Wilson : Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved April 8, 2015.
External links
[edit]Bryan Andrew Wilson
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Family background and childhood
Bryan Andrew Wilson was born on November 3, 1981, in Danville, Illinois.[7] He grew up as the middle child of three sons to his mother, Sheila Wilson (née Davis), in a family deeply rooted in musical traditions.[8] Wilson's family belonged to the Davis Singers, a gospel group that included his mother and extended relatives, providing an environment rich in sacred music from a young age.[9] His grandfather, Tommie Davis, was a prominent gospel quartet singer who grew up in the Mississippi Delta alongside blues legend B.B. King, further embedding gospel heritage into the family's legacy.[8] Sheila Wilson herself came from a church-centered household, where music and faith were central, influencing her children's upbringing.[8] In Danville, a small Midwestern city, Wilson's childhood was marked by this strong Christian faith and constant exposure to gospel sounds, which laid the foundation for his lifelong connection to performance and spirituality.[1] These formative experiences in a supportive, music-filled home shaped his early affinity for singing within religious contexts.[9]Early musical beginnings
Wilson's entry into music was nurtured by his musical family, with his mother singing in an R&B group and church, and his grandfather influencing notable artists like B.B. King.[1] At the age of ten, Wilson joined the Mississippi Children’s Choir in the early 1990s, providing a featured solo on the traditional gospel standard "His Eye is on the Sparrow." This performance was included on the choir's debut album A New Creation, released in 1994 by Malaco Records.[3][1] His soulful, melismatic rendition, highlighted by exceptional high notes, contributed significantly to the album's success, which sold over 100,000 units and garnered national attention in gospel music circles.[3][1] The exposure from the choir led to early performances across gospel events in the 1990s, where Wilson received local recognition for his vocal prowess as a child prodigy. Building on this foundation, he emerged as a solo artist in the late 1990s with the release of his debut album Bryan's Songs in 1996, also under Malaco Records, marking his transition to a prominent child gospel star.[10][3] The album featured original and traditional songs, showcasing his songwriting and interpretive skills at a young age.[11]Academic pursuits
Bryan Andrew Wilson, raised in a faith-oriented family that emphasized spiritual growth, pursued higher education in religious studies following high school. He enrolled at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, where he balanced rigorous academic demands with his early musical commitments by taking a deliberate break from professional recording to prioritize his coursework.[1] In May 2004, Wilson graduated from Claflin University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology.[1] His studies there provided a comprehensive foundation in religious principles and philosophical inquiry, deepening his understanding of faith and ethics.[12] This academic focus significantly shaped his worldview, instilling a commitment to theological reflection that informed his approach to personal and communal spirituality.[1] Following his undergraduate graduation, Wilson continued his theological training by pursuing a Master of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey.[13] This advanced program further enriched his knowledge of divinity and pastoral preparation, laying essential groundwork for his future ministry endeavors.[1] The combined influence of his Claflin and Princeton experiences fostered a holistic perspective on religion that guided his transition into leadership roles within faith communities.[14]Music career
Debut and early success
Bryan Andrew Wilson's entry into professional gospel music came with the release of his debut solo album, Bryan's Songs, in 1996 on Malaco Records, when he was 13 years old.[10] Produced by prominent figures in the genre including Kirk Franklin, John P. Kee, and Bishop Walter Hawkins, the album featured traditional gospel tracks that highlighted his precocious vocal range and emotional delivery.[1] It earned nominations for Dove and Stellar Awards, marking his initial recognition as a talented teen artist in the gospel community.[1] Building on his roots in childhood choir work with the Mississippi Children's Choir, Wilson released his sophomore album Growing Up in 1999, also under Malaco Records.[15] At the time, the 16-year-old was already viewed as a veteran of the gospel stage, having transitioned from ensemble performances to solo endeavors that demonstrated his maturing artistry.[16] The album, comprising 12 tracks of uplifting gospel songs such as "Yes God Is Real" and "Walk in the Light," received Dove and Stellar Award nominations, further establishing him as a promising young voice in contemporary gospel.[1] During the early 2000s, Wilson built an early fanbase through affiliations with established gospel ensembles and performances across church and circuit events, captivating audiences with his soulful interpretations of faith-based music.[17] His work during this period positioned him alongside other emerging teen gospel talents, contributing to the genre's vibrant youth movement.[18]Hiatus and return
Following the release of his second album Growing Up in 1999, Bryan Andrew Wilson entered a hiatus from his music career, prompted by vocal challenges stemming from his voice changing during his teenage years, which limited his upper range and diminished performance opportunities. This period of uncertainty led to depression and a need for personal reevaluation, causing him to step away from recording and touring.[3] During the hiatus, spanning approximately 2000 to 2008, Wilson focused on education and spiritual development. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in religion and philosophy from Claflin University in May 2004 and completed one year of study toward a Master of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary. He also continued preaching, a pursuit begun at age 17, and founded The Bapolstogic Movement, a nonprofit organization aimed at introducing Pentecostal worship styles to younger audiences, emphasizing spiritual growth amid personal struggles.[3][14] Wilson returned to music in 2008 with the album A Second Coming, released on his own label, Bryan's Songs/CE Music. The project marked a transitional phase, self-financed with his manager, and showcased a evolved sound blending retro-soul and urban contemporary gospel. Post-hiatus, his artistic direction shifted toward more mature themes, incorporating personal experiences of faith, perseverance, and emotional depth to address listeners' spiritual needs.[3][1][19]Major releases and chart success
Wilson's major releases began gaining significant traction in the mid-2010s, marking a pivotal phase in his career following his return to music. His 2014 album The One Percent, released under JDI Records, debuted at No. 18 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart, showcasing his evolving spiritual soul sound. The lead single "Turning Away" became a standout, peaking at No. 15 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart and earning widespread radio play as a poignant ballad of redemption.[20][21] In 2016, Wilson released the album Overflow through Bryan's Songs/CE Music, which further solidified his presence on gospel charts. The title track "Overflow," featuring Roderick Giles & Grace, reached No. 12 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart and topped the Gospel Recurrent Airplay chart, while also securing Stellar Award nominations for Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year. This release highlighted Wilson's ability to blend worship with contemporary production, contributing to its strong radio performance and industry recognition.[22][23][24] Building on this momentum, Wilson issued the single "Whoa!" in 2017, which charted on Billboard's Gospel Airplay, followed by the EP This Time in 2018 (often referenced in 2019 contexts for its radio impact). The title track from This Time peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart, emphasizing themes of perseverance and earning additional airplay success. These projects demonstrated Wilson's consistent chart presence and versatility in the genre.[25][26] More recently, the 2022 single "The Ride" marked one of Wilson's highest peaks, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart and reflecting his ongoing radio dominance. In 2024, Wilson released his first Christmas album, Jingle Jams, via Bryan's Songs/CE Music, featuring holiday-themed tracks blending gospel with soulful and festive elements, including a collaboration with the Rebirth Brass Band on "The Savior Has Come."[27][5] In November 2025, Wilson released "I Kept On," his first single in three years, distributed via Bryan's Songs/CE Music, continuing his tradition of introspective, faith-centered tracks.[28] Throughout this period, Wilson has collaborated with prominent gospel figures and appeared on major platforms such as the Stellar Awards and Bobby Jones Gospel, enhancing his visibility in the contemporary gospel scene.[29][30]Discography
Studio albums
Bryan Andrew Wilson's studio albums chronicle his evolution from a child gospel prodigy to a contemporary spiritual soul artist, with each release reflecting stages of personal and spiritual development through gospel music infused with R&B and soul influences. His debut, Bryan's Songs, released in 1996 as an independent gospel project, centered on themes of youthful faith and featured productions by prominent gospel figures like Kirk Franklin, John P. Kee, and Walter Hawkins.[3][31] The follow-up, Growing Up, issued in 1999, delved into the process of maturation in faith and music, coinciding with vocal changes that challenged his early career trajectory.[32][18] Following a period of hiatus due to personal struggles, Wilson returned with A Second Coming in 2008 on Central South, an album that explored redemption and renewal, marking his first project where he wrote or co-wrote all tracks.[33][1] In 2012, he released Limited Edition on Bryan's Songs/CE Music, featuring the Top 40 hit "I Need Thee."[34] In 2014, The One Percent arrived via Bryan's Songs/CE Music, addressing perseverance and triumph through faith amid adversity, and garnering Stellar Award nominations for its blend of gospel and soul.[35][36] Wilson's 2018 EP This Time on Bryan's Songs/CE Music offered personal testimony tracks, reflecting introspection and renewed commitment to his ministry through music.[37] In 2024, he released the Christmas album Jingle Jams on Bryan's Songs/CE Music, featuring collaborations with Grammy winners and gospel legends like the Rebirth Brass Band on tracks such as "The Savior Has Come."[27][4]| Album | Release Year | Label | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryan's Songs | 1996 | Independent/Malaco | Youthful faith |
| Growing Up | 1999 | Malaco | Maturation in gospel |
| A Second Coming | 2008 | Central South | Redemption post-hiatus |
| Limited Edition | 2012 | Bryan's Songs/CE Music | Faith and inspiration |
| The One Percent | 2014 | Bryan's Songs/CE Music | Perseverance |
| Jingle Jams | 2024 | Bryan's Songs/CE Music | Holiday joy and celebration |