Anne Wilson is celebrating the news her latest single “Strong” just hit No. 1 on Christian radio. It’s one of 16 songs from her new album REBEL (she’s a co-writer on all of them) released a week ago. REBEL features faith-filled songs, country songs, and some that are a blend of both. Every song offers listeners a different journey from the rousing “God & Country” to “Praying Woman” (featuring Lainey Wilson) to “Songs About Whiskey,” and more.
Fans first discovered Wilson three years ago when she hit the music scene at 19 with her debut single “My Jesus.” Her first album (also called My Jesus) was nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. Since then, both the Christian and country music industry have welcomed and embraced her. She’s won a host of Christian music awards, she’s one of this year’s Opry NextStage Artists, and was also chosen one of CMT’s Next Women of Country.
Wilson’s story is as powerful as her voice and talent for songwriting. She grew up in Lexington, Kentucky with no early connection to music, In fact, when she was younger she had dreams of becoming an astronaut. But when she was 15 years old, her brother was tragically killed in a car accident. She sang at his funeral and the trajectory of her entire life shifted in an instant.
“When my brother passed away my life changed in so many ways,” she recalls. “I sang for the first time ever at his funeral and from that moment on, I knew singing Christian music and writing songs about Jesus was what I was made to do.”
She began learning everything she could about singing and songwriting.
“I was naturally gifted at math and science and not very good at writing and English,” she says. “Now I’m the absolute opposite. It’s crazy how my entire brain is so different. I write songs and I’ve even written a book. It’s hard to believe how all of that has changed.”
Her book “My Jesus: From Heartache to Hope,” released in 2022, outlines the many miracles that occurred along the way to guide her journey and pave the way for her incredible music career.
“The only explanation is God,” she says. “And I think that’s what I love most about it. Everything that’s happened is all back to Him and what He’s doing in my life.”
She’s deeply grateful, too, to singer/songwriter Matthew West who’s become a mentor. He co-wrote many of the songs on the new album.
“I think he wrote 14 of the 16 songs with me. He’s one of my favorite people and a phenomenal songwriter. I used to go see him in concert as a kid, so I couldn’t believe it when I got to start writing with him. He encourages me to write and welcomes my ideas even if they’re stupid.” Here she stops, laughs, then adds, “He’s always listening and encouraging me to speak and write the songs I want to write.”
REBEL is a tribute, not only to her ability to write songs, but tackle a variety of topics and different styles of music. From the fast moving title track “Rebel” to “Rain in the Rearview” with her commanding vocals to her “Praying Woman” duet with Lainey Wilson (complete with a back-up choir)” – every song is unique.
“I’ve always loved Lainey’s music and wanted to write with her,” Wilson says. “So, we had a date on the calendar and wrote that song together. We were talking about our moms and how they were bold women who prayed for things they wanted to happen, and truly believed in the power of prayer. We weren’t sure at first if Lainey was going to sing on it, but then she did, and to have her add that energy to it was really special.”
Wilson also collaborates with Chris Tomlin on “The Cross” and Jordan Davis on “Country Gold.
She gives young girls advice on qualities to look for in a future partner in “Red Flag” and honors her native Kentucky in “Out of the Bluegrass.” But one of the most touching songs pays tribute to her dad. It’s called “My Father’s Daughter.”
“It’s a really honest song about growing up and moving to Nashville. I was 18, all by myself, and being on my own, so it’s the transition between all of that and what it meant. My dad cried it the first time he heard the song and honestly, I can barely listen to it because I tear up. But it’s special and I’m hoping it connects with a lot of people.”
As she continues to work hard and stand strong in her faith, Wilson admits she’s sometimes a little overwhelmed by all that’s happened. And each day brings new and unexpected opportunities.
“I continue to learn and grow in different ways, and it’s been awesome. I could have never dreamed of any of it, so I’m very, very grateful.”
Read the full article here