CHILD GOSPEL STAR BRYAN WILSON
TO RELEASE “A SECOND COMING…” THIS JANUARYSINGER’S FIRST CD IN ALMOST A DECADE REPRESENTS HIS SECOND COMING AS AN ARTIST WITH MUSIC CELEBRATING THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

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’s Growing Up 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 has never received one royalty check for his past gospel hits such as “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” “Blessed Assurance” or “God is on Your Side.” Because of his past issues with record labels, Wilson and his manager decided to finance and release the CD themselves through their CE Music/Bryan’s Songs Records label. “In the gospel world, the major labels are shrinking and more and more indie artists are rising up,” says Wilson. “So, it’s the perfect time to launch my own company.” 

Wilson returned to his native Danville, IL and tapped local talent to bring his vision to life. His childhood buddy, Kris “Doc Sizzle” Bell, who has worked with John P. Kee and others, produced the project.. His mother, brother, cousins and other friends supplied background vocals. Drawing from his own life experiences and faith, Wilson wrote or co-wrote ten poignant songs covering everything from a soured romance on “Smile” to a bad day at work on “Just Do Something.”  It’s a smooth, contemporary feel without the slickness of some pop music. “It has a really raw sound,” Wilson says. “The way the vocals are mixed is especially raw, but I like it. It’s a little different but I think people will like it. However, all music theory aside, my main mission for these songs is to encourage and save souls for Christ. The title of the CD talks about my second coming or comeback  as an artist; but the bigger picture is these songs lead us to a discussion of the second coming of Jesus Christ.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Bill Carpenter at (202) 506-5051 or carpenterbill@mac.com