Career
Born near Lake Charles, Louisiana in 1921 or 1923, Wilson was singing with a gospel quartet in California when Bob Geddins began recording him in 1951, initially with his band Bob Geddins" Cavaliers. Further recordings were made under Wilson"s own name, often accompanied by guitarist Lafayette Thomas. Some of the masters were purchased by Aladdin, and Wilson then recorded for Aladdin in 1952 before returning to record for Geddins" Big Town Records in 1953.
The first side released, "Tin Pan Alley", reached number 10 on the United States Billboard Rhythm & Blues chart and helped to establish Geddins as a major figure in West Coast blues.
Wilson continued to record for Big Town, and a few other labels, but failed to capitalise on the success of "Tin Pan Alley" and returned to Louisiana, where he made further recordings for local labels. Wilson died on February 5, 1965 in Dallas, Texas.
