Compelling with just his guitar and low, understated storytelling voice, Stephen Wilson Jr. delivered a fine solo version of his single Gary at CMA Fest recently. The recording featured on the ABC primetime special ‘CMA Fest Presented By SoF’ and had the huge audience at the Nissan Stadium spellbound. The official video for Gary, shared back in March 2026, starred award-winning actor Gary Sinise (Forrest Gump, Apollo 13) and was released on the anniversary of the passing of a teenager named Gary who helped inspire Wilson Jr. to write the song when he came across a roadside memorial in his name.
Originally from rural Southern Indiana, Wilson Jr is now based in Nashville. His route through life and into music has been anything but straightforward. Over the years, he’s been an Indiana State Golden Gloves boxing championship finalist, a scientist, and a lead guitarist and songwriter in an indie rock band. He gave up the day job in 2016 to sign a publishing deal with BMG Nashville, going on to write songs for the likes of Old Dominion, Tim McGraw and Sixpence None the Richer. 2023 was Wilson Jr.’s breakthrough year, when he released his debut double album søn of dad to huge critical acclaim. It was a powerful collection of songs dedicated to his late father and released on the five-year anniversary of his death.
Wilson Jr. has just delivered a triumphant set at State Fayre Festival in Chelmsford and will be returning to the UK for a series of dates in October 2026. A genuinely engaging performer, Wilson Jr. is one to see live if you get the chance. Enjoy.
