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Larry Jon Wilson, Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist, Dead at 69

Larry Jon WilsonSinger-songwriter Larry Jon Wilson died on Monday, June 21 from a stroke, according to the Tennessean. The 69-year-old passed away while visiting his family in Roanoke, Va.

While he had modest commercial success, Wilson was widely respected by his peers and fans. In the '70s, Wilson made four albums, including his 1975 debut, 'New Beginnings.' His most recent release was a self-titled LP issued by Drag City Records in 2009.

"The South will never be the same," Jerry DeCicca, who co-produced Wilson's last album, told the Tennessean. "He never stopped giving himself to his art."

Born and raised in Georgia, Wilson entered music later than other musicians. At age 30, the self-taught guitar player started writing songs in a 24-hour stretch that included the celebration of his birthday, the mourning of his father's passing, discovering his then-wife was pregnant and receiving a Martin guitar.

Wilson was known to play smaller venues such as Nashville's Bluebird Café and Eddie's Attic in Decatur, Ga. His distinct guitar-playing style garnered him praise even though he never made it to the mainstream, something he did not regret.

"Some people have used the 'outlaw' tag effectively for a career move, but I don't think 'career move' has ever entered my thinking," Wilson once said. "When I was in Nashville, we did the streets an awful long time, and we weren't exactly holding prayer meetings. I loved my drinking days. I stopped in the 1980s, but they were good. I'm not ashamed of any of it."

Although he left the music industry in 1980, he started playing shows later in the decade when he was encouraged to attend the Frank Brown International Songwriter's festival in Perdido Key, Fla., which sparked his desire to play more shows.

Wilson came back in 2008 with 'Larry Jon Wilson,' which gave his old fans new material to enjoy. The album also exposed Wilson a younger audience abroad, allowing him to tour the UK.

Funeral details have yet to be announced.

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Rick Paul

...I'm extremely sad to learn of Larry Jon's passing. I became familar with him watching Georgia Backroads on PBS. His passion for his home state was obvious and made me proud to be a Georgian! What a voice, what a lyricist, what a talent!! His passing leaves a hole not likely to be filled anytime soon. R.I.P. Larry Jon Wilson...

December 28 2010 at 10:20 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jerry

Came to know Larry Jon after moving to Nashville in 1978. He was an incredible guy and a very gifted singer/songwriter/musician. He gave me a copy of each of his four albums and they are still some of my very favorite musical treasures. I converted all 4 albums to CD's and listen to them very frequently. I generally ignore ignorant comments as the one above but I will say this. Greatness does not always equal commercial success. Just listen to the radio. 'Nuff said. Peace in your travels "Sundown Racer"---

October 15 2010 at 7:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lamar Hill

I Love You Larry Jon. I Loved your music, your soulful singing-from the 1st time I heard you on New Beginnings. I'm so grateful to have known you and hung out with you...and greatest of all, to have you perform some of my songs. Your rendition of SHOW BIDNESS is the definitive. Your demo on LYIN' TO YOU is so in-the-pocket groove time.What a treat.
I'll remember always your kindness. When I was all beat up with hand surgery, you brought over a six-pack of Tall Budweisers and would not let me feel bad.
The world could use some more Larry Jon Wilson.

June 27 2010 at 4:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
*Pat Alger

I first saw Larry play in NYC in the late 80's at the Bitter End. I was enthralled and envious and when I moved to Nashville in 1980 I was one of the loyal fans who showed up at his occasional gigs - he was a heartfelt original - a real southern gentleman of song.

We could use a lot more like him.

June 23 2010 at 7:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lathan Hudson

For the uninformed, and especially for the idiot who made the crass remark, Larry Jon Wilson was an icon in the Nashville Music Circles. One of his first Albums titled SOJOURNER was produced by legendary record producer Fred Foster, then-owner of Monument Records and Larry Jon's liner notes was written by Kris Kristofferson and the background singers and other liner-note additions read like a WHO'S WHO in Country Music.
Larry Jon was a gentle person who would come sit in my office with his guitar and we'd swap new compositions. His voice could rival the lowest string on a bass guitar. Larry Jon also demoed two songs for me and one was recorded by Dave Dudley from one of his demos.
The world's music loss is Heaven's gain. God loves Larry Jon Wilson and even though we will miss him, he's in a good place and will make a great additon to some Celestial Choir or he may just be up there entertaining the ones gone before him with just his guitar and a song.
Larry Jon will be in my prayers...Lathan Hudson

June 23 2010 at 7:01 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jo

When ones's EDUCATION can be measured by a ruler ... One cannot have a mile conversation. Show some respect! Grow Up. Learn when its best to be Silent ... Rest in Peace - Larry Jon Wilson.

June 23 2010 at 5:44 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
pat

i never heard of him, but we should all praise him for making the world a better place and having made a positive impact o other peoples lives. As far as the mean person comments above, the hell with them. They don't get it, and when their time has come, they can enjoy HELL.

June 23 2010 at 12:48 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dave Briggs

Dont know who keeps putting them on ,but you kinda sound like an a hole to me.Maybe it was you

June 23 2010 at 12:22 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Dave Briggs

Watch what you say about larry,he might have jesse jaCKson and al sharpton dancing on your a- -.

June 23 2010 at 12:17 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Amy

I enjoyed seeing Larry Wilson on Georgia Public Television a while back. He teamed up with Shawn Mullins at the Bluebird Cafe and it was an enjoyable performance. He was kind of a folk singer. They both played their guitars and sang.

Larry also did Georgia Public Television specials like "Georgia Backroads". He had a nice, pleasing voice as he spoke about places to visit in Georgia. It was a great program.

June 23 2010 at 12:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply