A native of East St. Louis, Illinois, Grammy-nominated singer Anita Wilson, fell in love with music as a child, listening to a mixture of classic soul, jazz, and gospel. She started singing in her church’s choir as a kid, soon was a much in-demand backup singer for contemporary gospel and praise & worship acts like Hezekiah Walker, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Marvin Sapp, and DeWayne Woods.
Wilson first gained attention as a soloist for nearly a decade with the Chicago-based Donald Lawrence & Co., where she had a solo on “Happy Being Me” from Lawrence’s The Law of Confession album.
In 2012, Wilson signed with EMI Records and released her debut Worship Soul, her debut album that merged modern gospel and contemporary soul.
Thanks in part to the gospel hit singles “Speechless” and “Jesus Will,” Worship Soul became a success, earning crossover attention from Ben Ratliff, a New York Times critic who put the album on his Best of 2012 list. Worship Soul also received a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Album.
In 2014 she released Vintage Worship, which was anchored by the single “That’s What He’s Done for Me” and wound up earning Wilson another Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Album. This solidified her as a powerful voice within the contemporary gospel genre.
Wilson moved from EMI to eOne Music for 2017’s Sunday Song. It went to number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart and resulted in a third Grammy nomination for Wilson in the same category. Continuing to co-produce her music with her husband, Rick Robinson, she returned with the remix EP Dance Soul in 2020.
As President and Ceo of Reflection Media, Inc., Anita has released her fifth album Soul Sister. It’s available on Apple Music and she shares vocals with Faith Evans, B Slade, and Rubi Green & Kincy.
N’DIGO is happy to share with its readers this interview with the classy Anita Wilson, her unique vocal stylings will inspire you and definitely have you moving and vibing to the Lord’s music!
N’DIGO: Who is Anita Wilson?
Anita Wilson: Anita Wilson is God’s child. A down-to-earth, genuine, creative, humble realist who can be a straight shooter but is always looking to help others and assist in making them better. She’s confident and peaceful, being exactly who and how God created her to be. She’s inclusive of all and believes in self-improvement and reflecting God’s love.
Tell me, how did someone raised in East St. Louis become so loved and respected in Chicago?
I moved to Chicago at the age of 23. I served administratively and in the music ministry of my brother’s (Fred Wilson, Jr.) church for several years. I attended the church where my father (Pastor Fredrick Wilson, Sr.) pastored before he went to be with the Lord. I was also at Fellowship Chicago for several years. Not to mention, I met Donald Lawrence when I moved to Chicago. Chicago is the place where pivotal moments happened in my life. Thankfully I was blessed to meet (and hopefully positively impact) many amazing people along my journey from churches to radio personalities to chosen family and friends. Chicago will always be home for me, no matter where I reside. I greatly appreciate the love and respect!
Growing up in a Black religious household, we’re often told that repurposing sacred things for secular use is not allowed. With blending contemporary sounds with your form of worship, how do you think you’re breaking down barriers between the two?
I greatly appreciate the balance of my upbringing. While my parents were Pastor and First Lady, they taught us about having faith in God and a relationship with God. But they also taught us about excellent Soul Music. That includes Gospel, Jazz, R&B, and Soul music. And, of course, all those genres were inspired by Gospel music anyway. So for me, it’s really cool to have the chance to incorporate ALL of my influences to create my unique contribution to great music. According to the feedback I’ve received throughout my journey, I’m grateful to inspire others to do the same while maintaining respect and reverence for the message of God’s Love through Gospel Music.
You sang back-up for Donald Lawrence for 10-years. When did you decide it was time to step out in the spotlight (so to speak) by yourself?
Well, I wasn’t eager for the spotlight, that’s for sure. I LOVED being a background vocalist with Donald Lawrence & Co. But after writing songs in my private time and feeling a tug to move into some solo efforts, I was heavily inspired to simply try. I consulted with a few people whose opinion and experience I trusted, Donald is one of them. As a result, I put my best foot forward with recording my debut solo album Worship Soul.
Is there anything you learned from Donald that helps you navigate this “thing called life?”
Sir Donald inspires me in so many ways. One thing that comes to mind is his encouragement to be confident in my unique creativity, in singing, and in the kind of music that I record. He’s always reminded me that being different is a superpower so I should embrace it.
Give us a perspective on your musical journey. Was there ever a point where you wanted to give up?
Yes, sometimes that feeling of wanting to give up occurs every other day,(smiles) but when it’s something you’re passionate about, it’s not possible to just give up on it. It’s not easy being in the music BUSINESS. There are many layers to it. If you’re not managing your expectations and continuing to learn this ever-changing industry, you’ll get discouraged pretty frequently. I definitely have. But at this point, after more than a decade, I am confident in knowing that it is best to stay focused on my path, no one else’s. And I’m committed to offering inspirational art that extends beyond genre, race, and geological barriers to touch lives. That impact will live much longer than I will on this earth. That’s what matters most. Otherwise, I just continue to do my best and take the journey as it comes.
You have nabbed three Grammy nominations! Describe the feeling of your first nomination.
When I received my first nomination (and each of them, actually), the feeling was the same: extreme gratitude! I put my heart and soul and so much hard work into my art. I can only pray that it resonates with listeners. So to know that the Grammy nominees are chosen by my peers, it’s a very rewarding feeling. I’m very grateful for my work to be recognized.
You have this rare quality to turn people who see (and hear) you for the first time into fans of you. Describe the message you want to convey through your music?
I want to convey inclusive love, humble confidence, and encouragement of others to embrace their uniqueness. However, what’s most important for me to convey is self-love and how vital a relationship with God is to your life and fulfillment.
Your first single release was Speechless from your Worship Soul album. So what is “worship soul?”
‘Worship Soul‘ is my genre. Not only is it the title of my first album, but it’s also the sound of my music; my own genre which marries the soul music sound with the gospel music sound. I love incorporating all of my musical influences.
Listening to your latest album, “Soul Sister,” one can sense that you are very much in control of your music. Your creative choices are refreshing. What attributes to your evolution?
Thank you! At this point in my career, I feel very comfortable in my “musical” skin, if you will. I’ve always explored different vibes and sounds, and I’m never interested in attempting to duplicate anything that I’ve done before. However, I decided to free myself and explore even more on the Soul Sister album. I chose to push the boundaries vocally, musically, and lyrically. We were intentional about it being fresh! It’s a very personal album, and I am super proud of this new body of work!
Let’s talk about “You Are Not Alone,” featuring the R&B legend, Faith Evans. How did this incredible collaboration come about?
Yes! I am soooo honored to have Faith on the new album. I simply reached out to her via IG DM, and she consented to listen to the idea. We took it from there and did a few remote recording sessions. She was really cool and easy going to work with. I can’t express how grateful and humbled I am to have her amazing presence on “You Are Not Alone.” Shout out and major love to THEE Lady Of Soul, Faith Evans!
Describe your writing process. Do you and your husband Rick (Robinson) collaborate on ideas, or do you write and let him give you his thoughts afterward?
Yes, Rick and I collaborate on ideas. Some songs he anchors, some I anchor. But we both contribute to the concepts and bring our ideas to the table. Then we decide what feels best for the final result.
What’s on your playlist?
I have some of everything on my playlist. Lucky Daye, The Hawkins Family, Masego, Jazmine Sullivan, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita Wilson, Donny Hathaway, Faith Evans, Brandy, this list goes on and on.
Favorite affirmation?
It’s actually from my favorite scripture, 2 Corinthians 12:9 which reminds me that in my weakness, God’s strength is made perfect.
Best advice was given to you?
The best advice given to me was by Sir Donald Lawrence. He advised me to own my tone and embrace what’s different about me.
What advice would you give an artist who doesn’t want to be controlled by a record label?
Work hard so you can control your own art. Invest in yourself. Be patient, grow/build your audience. And enjoy the journey!
What do you hope your listeners take away from Soul Sister?
I hope that my SOULdiers take away feel good, positive, uplifting vibes from Soul Sister (as well as my previous albums). I want my music to be inspirational and connect with people from all walks of life, not just gospel music lovers but for music lovers across the board. There’s something for everyone.
What’s on the horizon for Anita Wilson?
I’ll continue promoting the new album, releasing some new visuals, and I’m touring throughout 2022! I’d love to see my SOULdiers at the upcoming live shows, so look out for concert dates in a city near you! Please stay up to date by checking out my website www.msanitawilson.com.
Finally, is there anything you’d like to add?
I just want to appreciate you all for this interview and to everyone who has supported my music throughout my entire career – I’m sending a huge thank you!
Please follow Anita Wilson on Facebook and Instagram @msanitawilson. For booking information & more visit www.msanitawilson.com
Sylvester Cosby is the Digital Editor and a Contributing Writer for N’DIGO.
