Bryan Andrew Wilson facts for kids

Bryan Andrew Wilson (born November 3, 1983) is an American gospel musician. He creates music that he calls "spiritual soul." This style mixes strong faith-based messages with the sounds of R&B music. Wilson started his singing career as a child star in the 1990s. He became famous for singing "His Eye is on the Sparrow" with the Mississippi Children's Choir.

After taking a break from music, Wilson returned in 2008. He developed a new, more adult R&B-influenced gospel style. This new sound has been very successful. His songs "Turning Away" (2014) and "Overflow" (2016) became hits on the Billboard magazine Gospel Albums chart.

Bryan Andrew Wilson taking a photo on the Metropolitan Branch Bike Trail in N.E. Washington, D.C. on September 21, 2012.

Bryan Wilson's Early Life and Music Beginnings

Bryan Andrew Wilson was born in Danville, Illinois, on November 3, 1983. His parents are Sheila Davis Wilson and Beau Briggs. Bryan became well-known when he was young. He led the song "His Eye is on the Sparrow" with the Mississippi Children's Choir.

This song was part of a live album called "A New Creation." That album sold 100,000 copies in 1995. Videos of Bryan singing the song on YouTube have been watched over three million times. This success led to a record deal with Malaco Records.

His first album, "Bryan's Songs," was produced by famous gospel artists. These included Kirk Franklin, John P. Kee, and Walter Hawkins. The album earned Wilson nominations for important awards. These were the Dove Award and the Stellar Gospel Music Award. In 1997, he performed his song "Blessed Assurance" at the Stellar Awards. The audience gave him a standing ovation.

Challenges and Education

As Bryan grew older, his voice changed. He temporarily lost some of his higher singing range. This made it hard for him to sing in certain keys. He remembers that sometimes audiences would even boo him. Feeling discouraged, Wilson decided to step away from music. He enrolled in college instead.

He graduated from Claflin University in May 2004. He earned a bachelor's degree in Religion and Philosophy. After that, he studied for a year at Princeton Theological Seminary.

Bryan Wilson's Music Career Comeback

By 2008, Bryan Wilson decided to return to music. He released his third solo album, "A Second Coming." This album received a good review from Billboard Magazine's gospel editor. However, some critics were not as impressed. They felt he was trying to restart his career.

Finding His Sound and Chart Success

After several years, Wilson found his new musical direction. In 2014, he released the song "Turning Away." This powerful song became a hit. It reached No. 15 on Billboard Magazine's Gospel Airplay chart. It also reached No. 21 on its Hot Gospel Songs chart.

Wilson explained his music to The Clarion Ledger. He said, "My message is gospel, but I'm singing from my soul, my experience." He added that if his voice cracked, it was from the pain he had experienced. "Turning Away" was the main song on his fifth album, "The One Percent." This album featured many different music styles.

He gave a new twist to Ben E. King's classic song, "Stand by Me." He added a Caribbean dance feel to it. He also brought gospel energy to Jesus Culture's song, "Show Me Your Glory." He combined it with a lively version of Will Reagan's "Set A Fire." An editor from ASCAP praised the album. They said Wilson mixed modern soul, funk, and gospel styles. They noted his songs had catchy music and personal lyrics.

Wilson continued his successful return with "Overflow (Let Your Spirit)." The group Roderick Giles & Grace sang background vocals on this track. It reached No. 12 on Billboard Magazine's Gospel Airplay chart. It also hit No. 20 on its Hot Gospel Songs chart. In the summer of 2016, it reached No. 1 on the Gospel Recurrent chart. This upbeat song earned Wilson his first Stellar Gospel Music Award nominations since he was a teenager.

His most recent song, "Whoa!," is an uplifting and positive track. Bob Marovich, an editor for the Journal of Gospel Music, reviewed it. He wrote that "Whoa!" is a well-made song. Its message of encouragement can be a lifesaver. He also praised Bryan's clear high notes at the end of the song.

Bryan Wilson's Albums

Bryan Wilson has released several albums throughout his career. Some of his notable albums include:

• A New Creation (1995) - with The Mississippi Mass Choir
• Bryan's Song's (1996)
• Growing Up (1999)
• A Second Coming (2008)
• Limited Edition (2012)
• The One Percent (2014)
• Overflow (2016)
• This Time (2019)

His songs "Turning Away" and "Overflow (Let Your Spirit)" are among his most popular radio singles.