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.
Valley Of The Silver Moon
Jonathan Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I get on pretty well here just sit around and play my tunes
But when my words come out its like oil and water
Separation and no reaction
The harden stone in the valley of the silver moon
I said I'm writing you now from the valley of the silver
I'm writing you now from the valley of the silver
I'm writing you now from the crescent of the moon
So many people all around, people passing by my room
Before it leaves the body, they'll never find
The maker comes down, he'll never even see it
Desire for life the valley of the silver moon
I said I'm writing you now from the valley of the silver moon
I'm riding you now from the valley of the silver
The silver moon, the silver moon, the silver
The lyrics to Jonathan Wilson's song 'Valley Of The Silver Moon' describe the experience of writing a letter from a serene and isolated location, the valley of the silver moon. Wilson depicts himself as enjoying his time here, getting on well and engaging in his music. However, when writing, he is faced with a difficulty in expressing himself; his words coming out like oil and water, unable to blend and receive the reaction he desires. This struggle is perhaps reflective of a greater sense of difficulty in communication; the separation representing the challenges we all face at times when attempting to convey our innermost thoughts and feelings.
The valley of the silver moon is also described as a place where the 'harden stone' resides. This line may be interpreted as an allusion to the challenges and obstacles we often face in life; the place where things become hardened and where growth and creativity may be stifled. Despite this, Wilson's lyrics present the possibility of overcoming these barriers and finding desire for life in the valley of the silver moon. Overall, the song provides a contemplative and introspective exploration of the difficulties we face as we attempt to express ourselves and connect with others.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm writing you now from the valley of the silver moon
I am sharing with you my current location, which is the valley of the silver moon.
I get on pretty well here just sit around and play my tunes
I am comfortable being here and spend my time making music.
But when my words come out its like oil and water
My words seem to have no connection or reaction when expressed.
Separation and no reaction
There is a distance between myself and others, and there is no response to my words.
The harden stone in the valley of the silver moon
The environment in the valley is solid and unchanging.
I said I'm writing you now from the valley of the silver
Again, I am telling you that I am currently in the valley of the silver moon.
I'm writing you now from the crescent of the moon
My location has shifted, and I am now writing from the crescent of the moon.
So many people all around, people passing by my room
There are many people nearby, but they do not pay attention to me.
Before it leaves the body, they'll never find
Others will not understand my words until after I have already left.
The maker comes down, he'll never even see it
Even the creator of the words may not fully comprehend them.
Desire for life the valley of the silver moon
In this location, there is a longing for life and vitality.
I'm riding you now from the valley of the silver
Once again, I am stating my current location in the valley of the silver moon.
The silver moon, the silver moon, the silver
Repetition of the phrase to emphasize the importance of the silver moon in the song.
Lyrics © RIFF CITY SOUNDS, LLC
Written by: JONATHAN WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rodolphe Cloitre
I think Jonathan deserves to have this song classified as a classic. It's just perfect
Big Penis And Balls
Rock on me and all my homies Rock to The valley of the Silver moon❗️
BistouflyTheGreat
That guitar tone is simply fabulous...
Toni
The bassist, whatever that dude’s name is can really play. This lineup had chemistry. Years later and this jam is still something I come back too.
Nadine Monaco
Simply out of this world! Breathtaking.
Glenna
#JonathonWilson you are amazing! Your gifts of music are A SOUL grabbeR,, thanks🔥
Smil3
I miss these long instrumentals... nobody does them anymore.
Johnny Showgoer
moe. does....
Tiago Bento
Beautiful song and sound. Love it.
Lionel 36
Très bonne atmosphère, ce plan en ré trituré à la gratte est digne de Neil Young des 70' Bon morceau,technique limitée à la guitare, mais de la tripe comme au bon vieux temps,c'est le principal, à suivre ! Lionel