Larry Jon Wilson
Larry Jon Wilson (October 7, 1940 – June 21, 2010) was an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and musician renowned for his distinctive blend of country soul, folk, blues, and southern gothic influences, drawing from his Georgia roots to craft introspective songs about rural life and personal hardship.[1][2][3] Born in Swainsboro, Georgia, and raised in Augusta, Wilson initially pursued a career in chemistry, earning a degree from the University of Georgia and working as a technical consultant in fiberglass manufacturing from 1963 to 1973, before taking up the guitar at age 30 and committing to music full-time four years later.[1][3] Signed to Monument Records—a label associated with artists like Roy Orbison—he released his debut album, New Beginnings, in 1975, followed by Let Me Sing My Song to You (1976), Loose Change (1977), and The Sojourner (1979), which showcased his gravelly baritone voice and narrative-driven lyrics in tracks like "Ohoopee River Bottomland" and "Sheldon Church Yard."[1][2][3] Despite earning admiration from Nashville peers such as Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson for his authentic storytelling—described as too country for Nashville, too funky for country radio, and too heartfelt for pop—Wilson achieved only modest commercial success and largely withdrew from the industry in 1980 after extensive touring, including appearances in the documentary Heartworn Highways (1981).[2][3] He made a sporadic return in 1989, influenced by performances at songwriters' festivals, and in 2009 released a self-titled album on Drag City Records, recorded simply with guitar and violin in Florida, which critics praised for its raw intimacy and compared to Johnny Cash's late-career austerity.[1][3] Wilson, who resided in Augusta for much of his later life, died of a stroke in Roanoke, Virginia, at age 69, leaving a legacy as a cult figure whose reissued 1970s work continues to inspire southern music enthusiasts.[1][4]Early Life
Childhood and Family Background
Larry Jon Wilson was born on October 7, 1940, in Swainsboro, Emanuel County, Georgia, to parents John Tyler Wilson and Louise Phillips Wilson.[1][5] He was raised in Augusta, Georgia, in Richmond County, where his family settled during his early years.[1][6] Wilson grew up with his brother, Billy Joe Wilson, in a family environment centered in the Augusta community.[6][7] During the late 1940s and 1950s, Augusta experienced an economic boom as industries relocated to the area, attracted by the region's mild climate, affordable power, and non-unionized labor force.[8]Initial Musical Interests
Wilson's initial musical interests emerged during his teenage years in Augusta, Georgia, where he participated in local talent competitions. In the 1950s, he won the Sancken's Dairy Talent Show at the Miller Theatre by performing the novelty song "M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I," earning prizes including a gold watch, a paid trip to Savannah, and a lifetime supply of ice cream from the sponsor.[9][7] It was not until age thirty, following his father's death, that Wilson acquired his first guitar and taught himself to play, marking a pivotal shift toward instrumental self-instruction.[1][9]Career
Early Professional Beginnings
In the early 1970s, Larry Jon Wilson transitioned from a career in technical consulting to professional music, having taught himself guitar at age 30 around 1970 while working in Langley, South Carolina. Wilson drew on the region's musical influences to begin his journey as a performer and songwriter.[9][2] By 1973, after a decade employed as a technical consultant in fibreglass for United Merchants and Manufacturers, Wilson decided to pursue music full-time, quitting his job in 1974 to focus on his craft. He soon recorded an unsolicited demo tape, which impressed executives at Columbine Publishing, a division associated with CBS Records, leading to a songwriting contract and opportunities for initial recordings. This marked his entry into the industry, with the demo serving as a key step toward his professional debut.[10][11] Wilson's early professional efforts included performances in Southern venues, helping him hone his style and gain initial exposure in the regional country and folk scenes. These low-profile shows allowed him to build a modest reputation among local audiences in Georgia and nearby states before gaining wider attention.[11]Breakthrough Album and Hiatus
In 1975, Larry Jon Wilson released his debut album, New Beginnings, on Monument Records, marking his entry into the major label scene after years of performing in small venues across the South. Produced by Rob Galbraith and Bruce Dees at studios in Nashville, the album featured ten tracks blending country, soul, and swampy blues influences, with standout songs like the poignant single "Through the Eyes of Little Children," which reflected Wilson's introspective songwriting about innocence and loss. Recorded with contributions from notable session musicians such as guitarist Reggie Young, the record captured Wilson's gravelly baritone and fingerpicking guitar style, honed during his late start in music at age 30.[12][13][11] The album received strong critical acclaim for its literate lyrics and authentic Southern storytelling, earning praise as a highlight of the outlaw country movement and later inclusion in lists of essential country-funk recordings. Commercially, it achieved modest success, with the lead single "Through the Eyes of Little Children" receiving airplay on country radio stations, though it failed to produce a major hit. Despite this breakthrough visibility, Wilson's unorthodox style and reluctance to conform to Nashville's commercial formulas limited broader mainstream appeal, setting the stage for his growing disillusionment.[1][14] Following New Beginnings, Wilson released three more albums on Monument through 1979—Let Me Sing My Song to You (1976), Loose Change (1977), and The Sojourner (1979)—each maintaining his cult following but yielding similar limited sales. By 1980, frustrated with the music industry's emphasis on marketability over artistic integrity, Wilson withdrew from recording entirely, embarking on a nearly 30-year hiatus after extensive touring, including an appearance in the documentary Heartworn Highways (1981), during which he largely avoided the business while occasionally performing at songwriter festivals. This retreat stemmed from his unwillingness to compromise his vision for commercial gain, allowing him to pursue a quieter life away from the pressures of the Nashville scene.[11][1][14]Later Revival and Final Works
In the early 2000s, Larry Jon Wilson's music experienced a revival through reissues in Europe, beginning with the 2000 CD compilation of his 1975 debut New Beginnings and 1976's Let Me Sing My Song to You by the British label See For Miles Records, which was praised as Re-Issue of the Month by Mojo magazine.[1] This renewed interest in his original work, particularly the swampy country-soul of his 1975 album, paved the way for further exposure.[1] Wilson resumed occasional live performances starting in 1989 at the Frank Brown International Songwriters' Festival, which encouraged his gradual return to music. Building on this momentum and the reissues, he returned to recording after a nearly three-decade hiatus with his self-titled album in 2008, initially released internationally by Sony BMG before a U.S. edition via Drag City in 2009.[3] The album featured new original material and covers, recorded over a week in Florida and co-produced by Jeb Loy Nichols and Jerry DeCicca, capturing Wilson's gravelly baritone and introspective songcraft in a raw, intimate style.[3][15] In his later years, Wilson resumed live performances, appearing at venues like Eddie's Attic in Decatur, Georgia—a hub for Americana acts—and the Lounge on the Farm Festival in Canterbury, England, in 2008, where he delivered sets blending his classic repertoire with newer songs.[16][17] Residing in Augusta, Georgia, he continued songwriting until his death in 2010, focusing on personal themes of loss and redemption amid the city's quiet riverside setting.[1]Musical Style and Contributions
Genre Influences and Techniques
Larry Jon Wilson's music fused elements of country, blues, folk, and soul, creating a distinctive country-soul sound rooted in Southern traditions.[1] As a self-taught guitarist from Georgia, he drew heavily from Southern blues influences, incorporating a fingerpicking style that emphasized rhythmic precision and emotional depth in his acoustic performances.[1][3] This approach aligned with the outlaw country movement of the 1970s, sharing a raw, narrative-driven intensity similar to that of Kris Kristofferson, whom Wilson admired and who praised his "voice like a cannonball."[18][2] His guitar techniques featured delicate fretwork and solo acoustic arrangements, often highlighting sparse instrumentation to foreground his gravelly vocals and introspective delivery.[3] These choices created a stark intimacy in his recordings, as seen in tracks like "Shoulders," where minimal overdubs—such as subtle violin—preserved a natural, unpolished feel.[3] Wilson's performances in the documentary Heartworn Highways exemplified this style, blending folk-blues picking with country storytelling in mesmerizing, understated sets.[2] In production, Wilson favored intimate acoustic aesthetics over the polished, string-heavy overproduction prevalent in 1970s Nashville, opting instead for quick, location-based sessions that captured an authentic Southern vibe.[3] On his debut album New Beginnings (1975), this resulted in a lean sound that prioritized emotional resonance, setting it apart from mainstream country contemporaries.[2] Later works maintained this ethos, with co-productions emphasizing minimalism to evoke the gothic, heartfelt essence of his outlaw influences.[3]Songwriting Themes and Collaborations
Larry Jon Wilson's songwriting often explored themes of introspection and the struggles of Southern life, drawing on his Georgia roots to craft narratives of personal hardship and regional identity. His lyrics frequently delved into the raw, unvarnished realities of rural existence, as seen in tracks like "Ohoopee River Bottomland," which evokes the muddy, resilient landscapes of the South with a blend of melancholy and grit.[2] Love and spirituality also permeated his work, presented with an honest intensity that avoided sentimentality; for instance, "Sheldon Church Yard" incorporates gothic elements to reflect on faith and loss amid Southern gothic undertones.[1] These themes were delivered through a voice and style marked by emotional directness, earning praise for their "eloquent, elegiac" quality in capturing the South's complexities.[1] Wilson's songwriting process was deeply autobiographical, rooted in his own life experiences from a late start in music at age 30, after years in sales and self-taught guitar playing. He composed songs that mirrored personal reflections on family, regret, and redemption, infusing them with the authenticity of lived Southern narratives rather than commercial formulas.[2] Reflective ballads like "Through the Eyes of Little Children" exemplify this approach, offering poignant meditations on innocence and hardship, and delivered with stark vulnerability.[14] This method allowed his music to resonate as intimate confessions, prioritizing emotional truth over polished production. In terms of collaborations, Wilson partnered with producer Mark Nevers for his 2009 self-titled album, a revival effort that captured his mature sound through Nevers' nuanced engineering and arrangement.[19] Earlier, he toured alongside Townes Van Zandt, sharing stages that highlighted their mutual affinity for introspective songcraft during the 1970s outlaw country scene.[2] Additionally, Wilson contributed to the Country Soul Revue's Testifying project, blending his guitar and vocals with ensemble musicians to explore soul-infused Southern themes.[2] These partnerships underscored his ability to integrate personal themes with collective musical energy, though he remained primarily a solo storyteller.Personal Life and Death
Residences and Relationships
Larry Jon Wilson spent much of his adult life residing in Augusta, Georgia, the city where he was raised after his birth in nearby Swainsboro. He briefly relocated to Florida in the late 1960s and early 1970s for professional reasons, and from 1963 to 1973, he worked and lived in Langley, South Carolina, as a technical consultant in fiberglass manufacturing. During the 1970s, as his music career took off, Wilson made temporary moves to Nashville, Tennessee, for recording sessions and tours, but he consistently maintained Augusta as his home base.[1][20][2] Wilson was married once, a union that ended in divorce, and he fathered three children from this marriage: Kimberley Jaye Wilson, Chatham Elise Wilson, and Bertrand Tyler Wilson. He also raised a fourth child, Elizabeth Dalenberg, as his own. His connections to extended family stayed rooted in the American South, particularly Georgia, where his parents, John Tyler Wilson and Louise Phillips Wilson, originated.[2][21][6] Following his breakthrough in the music industry during the 1970s, Wilson took a long hiatus from major recording projects starting in the early 1980s, during which he pursued non-musical endeavors to support himself and his family. He worked as a voice-over artist for television productions and hosted episodes of Georgia Public Broadcasting's Georgia Legacy series, as well as contributing to More Georgia Backroads, where he even wrote the title song for one installment. In Augusta, he stayed active in the local community through intimate live performances at regional venues and occasional media appearances that highlighted Southern culture. Augusta's rural Southern environment subtly shaped his personal life and creative outlook, providing a grounding influence amid his artistic pursuits.[22][9][4][23]Health Issues and Passing
In June 2010, Larry Jon Wilson suffered a stroke while visiting his infant grandson in Roanoke, Virginia, leading to his death later that day at the age of 69.[24][1] A memorial service was held on June 27, 2010, at the First Baptist Church of Augusta, Georgia, where hundreds of family members and friends gathered to pay tribute. Wilson's body had been cremated prior to the service, with his ashes interred in the church's memorial garden.[24] During the service, Wilson's son Tyler shared memories of his father's humor, recounting how Wilson had joked about the situation in the hospital by referencing Dr. Kevorkian. His brother, Billy Joe Wilson, traveled from California to attend, reflecting the close family ties that marked Wilson's personal life. The event was described as extremely positive by attendee Don Rhodes, emphasizing the warmth and appreciation expressed for Wilson's legacy.[24]Legacy
Posthumous Recognition
Following his death on June 21, 2010, Larry Jon Wilson received widespread media attention through obituaries that highlighted his authenticity as a songwriter and performer in an industry often dominated by commercialism. The Guardian published a tribute praising Wilson as "that rarest of things: an honest man in a profession built on glamour," emphasizing his genuine Southern voice and reluctance to chase fame.[2] Similarly, MusicRow noted his recognition for songs depicting rural life and his associations with peers like Townes Van Zandt and Mickey Newbury.[25] In Augusta, Georgia, where Wilson had long resided, a memorial service drew hundreds of friends and family members on June 28, 2010, to honor his legacy as a local music legend.[24] This gathering underscored his enduring impact on the community, with attendees reflecting on his contributions to Southern music traditions. Post-2010, renewed interest in Wilson's catalog—building on the revival of his work in the 2000s—led to several reissues and compilations that introduced his music to new audiences. The Omni Recording Corporation released a combined CD of his first two albums, New Beginnings (1975) and Let Me Sing My Song to You (1976), in 2011, pairing the works to showcase his blend of country, folk, and soul.[26] Be With Records followed with vinyl reissues of both albums in 2018, remastered for modern listeners and highlighting tracks like "Ohoopee River Bottomland" for their swampy grooves and literate lyrics.[13][27] No formal inductions into institutions like the Georgia Music Hall of Fame have been documented, though these reissues have sustained appreciation for his underrecognized contributions.Influence on Music and Tributes
Larry Jon Wilson's introspective songwriting and soul-infused country style have left a lasting mark on contemporary Americana and alt-country artists, who often cite his work for its authentic portrayal of Southern life and emotional depth. Georgia native Brent Cobb, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, has named Wilson as a key influence, particularly drawing from tracks like "Ohoopee River Bottomland" for their funky, regional flair that shaped his own rootsy sound.[28] Similarly, bluegrass virtuoso Billy Strings has performed covers of Wilson's "Broomstraw Philosophers and Scuppernong Wine" in concerts, including a notable rendition during his 2025 Atlanta show, highlighting the song's narrative resonance in modern interpretations.[29] Atlanta-based musician Shawn Mullins, a longtime friend, has also paid homage to Wilson in interviews, emphasizing his unparalleled voice and generosity as inspirations for fellow performers.[30] Following Wilson's death in 2010, tributes continued through communal and artistic efforts that celebrated his legacy. In 2010, indie-folk artist Bonnie "Prince" Billy (Will Oldham) and The Black Swans released a split 7-inch single titled Sing Larry Jon Wilson, featuring covers of his songs as a direct memorial to his contributions. In Augusta, Georgia—Wilson's longtime home—local reflections persisted, including a 2025 retrospective article in Augusta Today by writer Tee Gentry, which recounted personal anecdotes from musicians like Joe Stevenson who credited Wilson with fostering camaraderie among Southern artists.[4] Fan-driven online archives, such as the dedicated website larryjonwilson.com, have preserved his recordings, performances, and testimonials from peers like Kris Kristofferson, ensuring accessibility for new generations.[31] Wilson's enduring appeal lies in his pivotal role within the 1970s outlaw country movement, where he helped illuminate the talents of overlooked Southern songwriters through raw, narrative-driven albums like New Beginnings. His appearance in the documentary Heartworn Highways alongside figures like Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark showcased the uncommercialized essence of Southern music, influencing later revivals of regional storytelling in Americana.[14] As described in the New Georgia Encyclopedia, Wilson's "eloquent, elegiac songs of the South" captured childhood memories and rural experiences, positioning him as a bridge to appreciating the era's underrecognized voices.[1]Discography
Studio Albums
Larry Jon Wilson's debut studio album, New Beginnings, was released in 1975 on Monument Records. Produced by Bruce Dees and Rob Galbraith, the album features a blend of country soul and outlaw influences, recorded at Columbia Studios in Nashville with contributions from notable session musicians including guitarist Reggie Young, known for his work with Elvis Presley.[13][12] The record did not achieve significant commercial chart success but received critical acclaim for its literate songwriting and groovy rhythms, establishing Wilson as part of Nashville's mid-1970s outlaw country scene.[32]| Track | Title | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohoopee River Bottomland | 3:43 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 2 | Through the Eyes of Little Children | 3:33 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 3 | New Beginnings (Russian River Rainbow) | 3:37 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 4 | The Truth Ain't in You | 3:13 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 5 | Canoochee Revisited (Jesus Man) | 4:31 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 6 | Broomstraw Philosophers and Scuppernong Wine | 3:12 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 7 | Lay Me Down Again | 3:23 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 8 | Melt Not My Igloo | 4:49 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 9 | Things Ain't What They Used to Be (And Probably Never Was) | 3:01 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 10 | Bertrand My Son | 3:28 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| Track | Title | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Drowning in the Mainstream | 3:06 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 2 | Let Me Sing My Song to You | 3:04 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 3 | Sheldon Churchyard | 4:04 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 4 | I Remember It Well | 2:40 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 5 | The Ballad of Handy Mackey | 3:03 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 6 | Think I Feel a Hitchhike Coming On | 2:40 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 7 | Willoughby Grove | 3:37 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 8 | Life of a Good Man | 3:23 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 9 | Kindred Spirit | 2:14 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 10 | Farther Along | 4:18 | Traditional, arr. Larry Jon Wilson |
| Track | Title | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Why You Been Gone So Long | 3:03 | Mickey Newbury |
| 2 | Loose Change | 3:34 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 3 | What's Her Name | 3:25 | Paul Yarrow, Noel Stookey, Mary Travers |
| 4 | July the 12th, 1939 | 4:25 | Norro Wilson |
| 5 | Song for Jonah | 2:36 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 6 | In My Song | 3:20 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 7 | I Betcha Heaven's on a Dirt Road | 2:42 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 8 | Shake It Up (One More Time) | 2:53 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 9 | Your Mind Is on Vacation | 5:47 | Mose Allison |
| 10 | Sundown Racer | 2:41 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 11 | Poor Children's Treasures | 2:01 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 12 | Song for Jonah - Reprise | 2:36 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| Track | Title | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Bigger the Fool (The Harder the Fall) | 3:00 | Stephen Bruton |
| 2 | Looks Like Baby's Gone | 3:08 | Mickey Newbury |
| 3 | You Mean the World to Me | 2:34 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 4 | The Saints Who Have Never Been Caught | 2:57 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 5 | It's Just a Matter of Time | 3:32 | Sonny Willett, D. Burgess, H. Brooks |
| 6 | Stagger Lee | 2:59 | Harold Logan, Lloyd Price |
| 7 | Good Time Lady | 2:58 | Gove Scrivenor |
| 8 | Another Friend Song | 2:15 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 9 | I'll Be Your Baby Tonight | 3:08 | Bob Dylan |
| 10 | The Farm (Wildflowers in a Mason Jar) | 3:18 | Dennis Linde |
| Track | Title | Duration | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shoulders | 3:17 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 2 | Losers Trilogy | 7:01 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 3 | Heartland | 4:15 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 4 | Long About Now | 2:37 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 5 | Me With No You | 2:26 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 6 | Feel Alright Again | 2:55 | John Scott Sherrill |
| 7 | I Am No Dancer | 3:12 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 8 | Goodbye Eyes | 3:02 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 9 | Rocking With You | 2:48 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 10 | Throw My Hands Up | 2:45 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 11 | Whore Trilogy | 5:20 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 12 | Louise | 3:45 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 13 | Sunset Woman | 3:10 | Larry Jon Wilson |
| 14 | Frisco Mabel Joy | 4:42 | Mickey Newbury |
| 15 | Where From | 2:30 | Larry Jon Wilson |
Singles and Other Releases
Wilson's recording career with Monument Records in the mid-1970s produced several singles drawn from his studio albums, primarily aimed at country radio promotion. These 7-inch vinyl releases featured A-sides and B-sides, with some promotional variants in mono and stereo formats. None achieved significant commercial chart success, but they highlighted his distinctive blend of country, soul, and folk influences.[40] The following table lists his known singles:| Release Date | Catalog Number | A-Side / B-Side | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 1975 | Monument ZS8 8647 (US) | Bertrand My Son / Broomstraw Philosophers And Scuppernong Wine | Standard release |
| March 1975 | Monument ZS8 8647 (US) | Bertrand My Son (long version) / Bertrand My Son (short version) | Promotional release |
| August 1975 | Monument ZS8 8663 (US) | Ohoopee River Bottomland / Melt Not My Igloo | Standard release |
| November 1975 | Monument ZS8 8675 (US) | Through The Eyes Of Little Children / The Truth Ain't In You | Standard release |
| April 1976 | Monument ZS8 8692 (US) | Think I Feel A Hitchhike Coming On / Drowning In The Mainstream | Standard release |
| April 1976 | Monument ZS8 8692 (US) | Think I Feel A Hitchhike Coming On (mono) / Think I Feel A Hitchhike Coming On (stereo) | Promotional release |
| 1979 | Monument 45-276 (US) | Stagger Lee / It's Just A Matter Of Time | Promotional release only |