You may not have heard this man’s name, but you’ve heard his songs. Recently, a friend sent me “Father’s Son” and the power behind the sound reeled me in and I immediately started doing some research on this incredibly talented person.

Stephen Wilson Jr was born in Seymour, Indiana. Wilson started boxing at an early age since he was raised solely by his single dad who was also a boxer and was an Indiana State Gold Gloves finalist. As he grew older, he taught himself guitar and moved to Nashville for college, studying microbiology at MTSU. He continue writing while in Nashville.

After achieving his degree, Wilson joined a band AutoVaughn. They ended up touring for a little over five years. After the band dismantled, Wilson went to work for the candy company Mars as a Product Development Scientist. However, knowing this isn’t what he wanted for his life, he quit.

Relying on his writing, Wilson scored a publishing deal and has written for Old Dominion, Tim McGraw, trace Adkins, Chase Bryant, Mackenzie Porter, Kameron Marlow, Sixpence Non the Richer and more. Soon after he wanted to go solo and sing his own songs.

In 2018, Stephen Wilson Jr’s dad had surgery. Stephen went to be by his dying father’s side. His dad told him, “Write a good song for me.” Then said “I love you” four times, then passed away. This is when Stephen Wilson Jr wrote the song “Father’s Son,” which you can hear below.

2023 Wilson Jr signed with Big Loud. His first album is a tribute to his father.