As I continue to write my Music Spotlight columns, new names keep popping up. Ann Wilson. In 2022, Wilson won the Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for “My Jesus”. She won Songwriter of the Year and New Artist of the Year. She also won the Bluegrass/Country Roots Song of the Year for her duet with Hillary Scott, “Mamas”.
The reason I had never heard of her was that Ann Wilson had only been singing for a few years at the age of 22.
Ann Wilson grew up on a farm near Lexington, Kentucky. She took piano lessons from an early age, but her dream has always been to work for her NASA. However, on June 7, 2017, during her sophomore year of high school, her then-23-year-old brother died instantly in a car accident. That event changed the trajectory of her life forever.
she said. “Our family was very devastated. My sister, my parents and I were very heartbroken. I went downstairs to the piano and just sang to God asking questions like, ‘Why did God have to let Jacob go?’ Why did our family have to go through this? ’ It was a real moment of wrestling with God and why things happen the way they do. My mother actually hears me singing when I sit at the piano. “I never knew you could sing,” she said as she ran into her room. So I was like, ‘I don’t sing. I am now worshiping God and talking to Him. “
Her mother asked Anne to sing at Jacob’s funeral. She was 15 at the time and this was her first time singing in public.
“From that moment on, I knew I was going to do music in a way,” she says.
She continued, “When I saw my parents grieving, I thought that we could not get through this situation without trusting God. I chose to believe.”
In September 2017, Anne posted a video of herself singing “What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong. She was clear that the girl had a God-given talent, which caught the eye of the Nashville manager. By early 2018 she had started working with Capital Christian Music Group and by 2019 she had signed a contract with them.
While working in Nashville, Anne became a prolific songwriter, gaining the attention of others in the industry. Last year, she released her first album, which won the Dove Award for Song of the Year for “My Jesus.” Not only that, her song “Living Water” was featured in a blockbuster movie, jesus revolution. Her strong and pure vocals will make you want to cheer for Jesus when you watch the movie/video.
In October 2022, Wilson published an autobiographical book, My Jesus, From Heartache to Hope.
She explains: “It’s been going on since my childhood all the way through to the book that came out last year. It’s incredible what God has done in my life. And there are so many little details that would take me hours to explain in an interview.” However, it became clear to me that I should be involved in music, the events that God has done, the doors that God has opened, etc. It is all in this book and I am passionate about this book. And I think this book will give hope to many people, especially those going through this situation.”
Last week, on the sixth anniversary of her brother’s death, Anne poured her heart into her moving new album, Seventh of June, a deeply personal and heartfelt tribute to her brother Jacob.
Enlisting trusted collaborators Matthew West and Jeff Pardo (My Jesus, Living Water), Anne reflects the raw pain of loss while demonstrating Wilson’s unwavering faith and conviction. created a soul-stirring story of his death. Through his powerful lyricism and emotional expression, Wilson not only cherishes the memory of his brother, but also provides comfort to those struggling with grief.
When dealing with grief, Anne encourages people to keep their faith strong. “I tell them to trust in God, to put their faith and trust in them, and to know that even if life is very difficult right now and everything seems to be falling apart, in the end God will do everything for them. I want them to know that they need to keep trusting in God and know that all will be well, because with that understanding and knowledge, they can get through the really difficult moments of life. Because I think you can get through it, and with that knowledge, you’ll get through it a lot easier.”
Ann Wilson has learned that nothing can heal a wounded soul like music. Her words, which she often writes in musical prayer-like lyrics, can heal not only herself, but those who listen to them.
I am so sorry for the loss that Ann Wilson and her family have experienced. But the music that emerged from that tragic event will help millions more. God certainly anointed Ann Wilson’s life.
“Seventh of June” is the first record of a second album to be released at a later date.
You can follow Ann Wilson on Facebook. twitterInstagram, YouTube, TikTok, and all streaming services.
Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer.you can follow her blog, Instagram and twitter.
