Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Richard Wilson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Richard, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project has been to refine my songwriting and performing – and be true to my artistic identity – and make it a career! I write soulful blues and jazz songs and perform solo (electric guitar and voice).
As I say during shows ,I explore the intersection of jazz, blues, soul and gospel – and try to take the music onwards, but inspired from these amazing genres.
I perform my own songs exclusively.
I perform every week at various venues in Memphis and am thrilled to present my music.
I put out an album a year and am privileged to work with Grammy Award Winner producer/engineer Boo Mitchell and Hi Records (Al Green) Hammond organ legend Rev Charles Hodges – at Royal Studios,Memphis.

My most recent album is “Promised Land” and as well as Boo and Rev Charles playing on it – I duet with Katrina Anderson (Bar Kays).

Also Damion Pearson (Yella P) plays harmonica and Justin Walker (The Swing King) plays drums.

Richard, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started on guitar in 1970 at aged 9. It seems like another era – and learning how to play was about using your ears and imagination!
The tuition books were limited to traditional folksongs.
That helped me start to write my own songs – especially when Punk and New Wave hit in the UK in 1977 – playing folk songs on acoustic guitar was not going to work!
Over the years I developed my style and for many years now, focus on original blues and jazz (with some bossanova).
I think being original and spending 100% of your time refining your craft helps you develop your musical identity.
I came from an era where who were musically really counted – and its something I hold true to this day.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a creative musical artist is writing your own musical legacy. My music has been used in commercials and on TV in movies – that is a great validation for all the hard work that goes into it.
Writing songs is a mystical experience and when a song comes together , gets recorded , played at shows hundreds of times , streamed and then is in a commercial – feels like an amazing journey!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think its important to believe in yourself – and be resilient! I found I was happiest writing songs and perfecting the art.
Its a mysterious magical art , no one has explained it – and I would not want to know even if they did – but if you work at it you will be rewarded.
I have had challenges along the way – but to summarize: be the truest version of you ,you can be!
Keep your musical integrity- you will be fulfilled.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://richardwilsonmusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardwilsonmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardWilsonMusicUK/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/galaxytracks
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@richardwilsonsoulfulblues
• Other: https://richardwilson1.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits
Image credits: Pamela Walker Carrie Sanders