Early life
Wilson was born on December 30, 1974 in Forest City, North Carolina and raised in nearby Spindale, North Carolina. His father was a bandleader and his grandfather a Baptist pastor whose services Wilson was often invited to play at. Wilson has cited his upbringing in North Carolina and the state's rich musical heritage as an early influence.
Career
Muscadine
Wilson founded the band Muscadine with Benji Hughes in 1995. The band released their debut album, The Ballad of Hope Nicholls, on Sire Records in 1998.
Solo career
Wilson released his album Gentle Spirit on Bella Union on August 8, 2011 in the UK and Europe and on September 13, 2011 in the US. The album debuted at number 15 on the UK Indie Chart and was awarded the #4 spot on Mojo's 2011 Best Albums of the Year list. Gentle Spirit features many special guests including Barry Goldberg, Chris Robinson, Gary Louris, Andy Cabic, Otto Hauser, Josh Grange, Gary Mallaber, Z Berg, Adam McDougall, Johnathan Rice, among others. Jonathan was named Uncut Magazine's 2011 "New Artist of the Year".
In April 2012, Wilson released "Pity Trials and Tomorrow's Child", a limited edition vinyl EP on Bella Union for Record Store Day 2012. American Songwriter named it, "Five Things To Look For On Record Store Day". One of the album's three tracks, a cover of George Harrison's "Isn't It A Pity", includes guest vocals by Graham Nash.
In October 2013, Wilson released his second album, Fanfare, on Downtown Records and Bella Union. The album debuted at #8 on the UK Indie Chart, #50 on the UK Overall Chart, #18 in the Norway Overall Chart and #49 in the Netherlands in its first week. Uncut Magazine and Rolling Stone Germany named Fanfare its Album of the Month the month of its release. The album features contributions from David Crosby, Graham Nash, Jackson Browne, Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Father John Misty, Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes) and Patrick Sansone (Wilco). The album also features Wilson's band, including Jason Borger, Omar Velasco, Richard Gowen and Dan Horne. Roy Harper wrote the lyrics to the song "New Mexico".
In February 2018, he released his third solo album Rare Birds. On March 6 2020, he released his new solo album called Dixie Blur. Wilson also completed a solo album titled Frankie Ray in 2007. The record was never officially released.
Record producer and other projects
Record production
Wilson currently maintains his recording studio, Fivestar Studios, in Echo Park, Los Angeles, which he relocated from its original location in Laurel Canyon in 2009.
Over several months in 2013 and 2014, Wilson produced and played on Conor Oberst's new album Upside Down Mountain released on Nonesuch Records in May 2014. The album was recorded at Wilson's Fivestar Studios in Los Angeles and Blackbird Studios in Nashville.
In 2013 Wilson produced "Jubilee", the fifth album from Canadian band, The Deep Dark Woods in Alberta, Canada.
In 2012, Wilson co-produced and played on Roy Harper's latest album, Man and Myth (Bella Union, 2013) at Fivestar Studios. In the same year, Wilson produced a Glen Campbell session at Fivestar Studios for Daytrotter.
In 2011, Wilson co-produced and played on the debut Father John Misty record, Fear Fun released on Sub Pop, at Fivestar Studios.
In 2010, Wilson produced and collaborated with Bonnie 'Prince' Billy on a series of songs for release on Spiritual Pajamas Records, a boutique 7" label associated with Folk Yeah Presents. Wilson recorded and produced Dawes' debut album, North Hills, at his Laurel Canyon studio. That same year, Wilson recorded and produced Dawes' second album, Nothing Is Wrong, at Five Star Studio.
As part of Wilson's project, What You Need Is What You Have, The Songs of Roy Harper, Wilson has produced songs performed by Will Oldham, Andy Cabic, Chris Robinson, Benji Hughes, Dawes, Jenny O., Johnathan Rice, Josh Tillman, and others. Wilson also produced Jason Boesel's album, Hustler's Son, Mia Doi Todd's album Cosmic Ocean Ship and mixed Goodnight Lenin's debut album, In The Fullness Of Time, due for release in late 2014. Wilson has also recorded and/or produced many other artists in his studio, including Gerald Johnson, James Gadson, and Josh Tillman.
Other music projects
In 2010 and 2011, Wilson collaborated with Erykah Badu in the studio on several songs, only one of which was officially released. Wilson also appeared as a special guest with Erykah Badu at her 2011 Coachella performance.
In April 2011, Wilson performed with Robbie Robertson and Dawes on CBS's Late Show with David Letterman, ABC's The View and Later... with Jools Holland in support of Robertson's album How to Become Clairvoyant.
In the fall of 2011, Wilson was invited by Roy Harper as a special guest at Royal Festival Hall as part of Harper's sold out 70th birthday celebration. Wilson also toured with Wilco in the fall of 2011 for 15 shows across the UK & Europe. In July 2011 Wilson performed and collaborated with Jackson Browne and Dawes on a mini tour throughout Spain. Wilson performed at the 2011 benefit concert for Musicians United for Safe Energy at Shoreline Amphitheater joining Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, John Hall, The Doobie Brothers, Jason Mraz, Tom Morello, Kitaro, Sweet Honey In The Rock and others. Wilson was joined onstage by Jackson Browne and Graham Nash to perform his song "Gentle Spirit". Wilson also joined Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and others for the concert's finale, "Teach Your Children".
In August 2012, Jonathan was featured as a guest of Move Me Brightly, a tribute to Jerry Garcia in honor of his 70th birthday. The event was held at Bob Weir's TRI Studios in Marin County, California and featured other guests and musicians including Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Donna Jean Godchaux, Jeff Chimenti, and many others. In June 2012, Jonathan and his band were invited by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers to support them on their 2012 European tour, which included 2 sold out nights at Royal Albert Hall.
In 2013, Wilson is curated a collection of songs as part of What You Need Is What You Have, The Songs of Roy Harper, a Roy Harper tribute album that includes songs performed by Will Oldham, Andy Cabic, Chris Robinson, Benji Hughes, Dawes, Jenny O., Johnathan Rice, Josh Tillman, and others. Wilson was a member of The Emerald Triangle, a touring collaboration with Andy Cabic, Johnathan Rice, Neal Casal, and Husky. In addition, Wilson has recorded projects and/or performed with Johnathan Rice for Reprise Records, Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and Phil Lesh from the Grateful Dead, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and Bert Jansch.
In 2017, Wilson appeared on Roger Waters' "Is This The Life You Really Want?" release and played with Waters on the 2017–18 Us + Them tour.
Laurel Canyon
Wilson is credited with revitalizing the Laurel Canyon music scene with the help of his many friends and is featured in the 2009 book Canyon of Dreams by rock historian Harvey Kubernik. Wilson had hosted private jam sessions at his compound in Laurel Canyon that involved Andy Cabic, Pat Sansone and John Stirratt of Wilco, Gerald Johnson, Johnathan Rice, Gary Louris and Mark Olson of The Jayhawks, Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes, David Rawlings, Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Jakob Dylan, and other notable artists who have played professionally with and/or in The Electric Flag, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Van Morrison, The Cars, Bruce Springsteen, Steve Miller Band, and Pearl Jam. The jam was founded by Wilson and Chris Robinson.
Canyon In The Rain
Jonathan Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Raining leaves, which way now,
which way now, which way now to union hall
Bringing in, bringing in, bringing in
River's this way now, this way now
This way now, out of the way
I'm like a canyon in the rain
The only thing the world is calm
Wait until I hold you warm you squeeze you tight
And then they say that I'm no good for you
Young love I know they never walked a day's shoes
The younger hearts are free
You can't see what I see
But you're wild and free with me
The younger hearts are free
You can't see what I see
But you're wild and free with me
Oh, save me from, save me from
Save me from wicked days
Ask me now, ask me now
Ask me now, why would you hesitate?
The younger hearts are free
You can't see what I see
But you're wild and free with me
The younger hearts are free
You can't see what I see
But you're wild and free with me
The younger hearts are free
You can't see what I see
But you're wild and free with me
So wild, wild
The younger hearts are free
You can't see what I see
But you're wild and free with me
The younger hearts are free
You can't see what I see
But you're wild and free with me
So wild, wild
The lyrics of Jonathan Wilson's "Canyon In The Rain" evoke a sense of natural beauty and freedom, with references to a forest dove and raining leaves. The singer seems to be wandering, unsure of which direction to take on the way to Union Hall. This uncertainty is reflected in the repeated phrase "which way now" and suggests that the singer may feel lost in their own journey through life. The metaphor of a canyon in the rain further emphasizes this sense of being stuck and waiting for something to change.
The second half of the song shifts towards a more personal and romantic tone. The singer speaks of holding someone close and feeling the calm of the world. The phrase "young love" suggests that this might be a new relationship, filled with passion and excitement. However, others may not approve of the pairing, with the singer acknowledging that "they say that I'm no good for you". Despite this, the singer is determined to continue the relationship and enjoy the freedom and wildness that comes with being young and in love.
Overall, "Canyon In The Rain" is a song about navigating through life and love. The natural imagery throughout the song suggests that the singer may be searching for a sense of balance and purpose in the midst of uncertainty. The romantic elements of the song convey a message of following your heart and embracing the freedom that comes with youth.
Line by Line Meaning
Forest dove, forest dove, forest dove
The singer observes a dove in the forest and repeats the phrase for effect.
Raining leaves, which way now,
which way now, which way now to union hall
As leaves fall, the singer looks for direction to reach the union hall.
Bringing in, bringing in, bringing in
The singer is bringing something or someone with them, repeating the phrase for emphasis.
River's this way now, this way now
This way now, out of the way
The artist indicates the direction of the river and urges others to move out of the way.
I'm like a canyon in the rain
I'm a show you this and then
The artist compares themselves to a canyon in the rain and promises to reveal something after.
The only thing the world is calm
Wait until I hold you warm you squeeze you tight
When the world feels chaotic, the singer suggests that holding someone close brings calm and comfort.
And then they say that I'm no good for you
Young love I know they never walked a day's shoes
Others may criticize the singer's relationship, but the singer knows that they can't truly understand because they haven't experienced the same thing.
The younger hearts are free
You can't see what I see
But you're wild and free with me
The artist believes that the young have a certain freedom and perspective, and even if others can't see it, they feel it together.
Oh, save me from, save me from
Save me from wicked days
Ask me now, ask me now
Ask me now, why would you hesitate?
The artist asks for help from wicked times and urges someone to ask a question without hesitation.
So wild, wild
The younger hearts are free
You can't see what I see
But you're wild and free with me
The artist repeats the chorus, emphasizing the wildness and freedom of youth and feeling of connection with another person.
Lyrics © RIFF CITY SOUNDS, LLC
Written by: JONATHAN WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind