Josh Wilson (musician)

Josh Wilson
Birth name Joshua David Wilson
Born November 14, 1983
El Dorado, Arkansas
Origin Lubbock, Texas, U.S.
Genres Contemporary Christian, folk, adult contemporary, pop rock
Instrument(s) Vocals, guitar, piano, hammered dulcimer, ukulele, mandolin
Years active 2004–present
Labels Sparrow, Black River Christian
Website joshwilsonmusic.com

Joshua David Wilson (born November 14, 1983) is a contemporary Christian musician from El Dorado, Arkansas. He is best known for the radio singles "Savior, Please" from his 2008 album Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup and "Before the Morning" from his 2009 EP, Life is Not a Snapshot.

Career

Josh Wilson's songs reflect humor and emotional aspects in his single "Savior, Please", coupled with his musings on the subject of finances on "Dear Money". Growing up in Lubbock, Texas, Wilson often listened to music or played it. By age 7, his interest in music had expanded to include other instruments. After taking piano lessons, he also added drums and guitar to his growing collection of musical competencies. "I've always been a big believer in pursuing what you're passionate about," he stated. "I think God gives us all passions and talents and ultimately, He wants us to use those for His glory. And since I happen to love music, I guess I always knew I'd do something with it."

After releasing a successful self-titled album in 2010 showcasing his single "Before The Morning", Wilson released an album, See You, on February 4, 2011. The most popular song on the album is "I Refuse", with "Fall Apart" in close second. The song "I Refuse" was inspired by the aftermath of the storms that flooded the city of Nashville, Tennessee in the spring of 2010, and deals with the idea that Christians should refuse to just stand by during times of suffering, instead of pursuing justice and furthering God's kingdom. His style in that album was said to have come out of the ordinary worship experience with strong lyrics, led by a loud acoustic guitar. Josh Wilson also released a new Christmas album, Noel, on October 5, 2012. The most popular song on that album is one of the ones he wrote, "Jesus Is Alive", which has risen to the top of all his most purchased songs.

On January 3, 2010, during security delays at Newark Liberty International Airport, Wilson decided to pull out his guitar and entertain his fellow passengers. He played the Beatles' "Hey Jude" and the crowd sang along. Video of the incident was posted multiple times on YouTube and it went viral shortly after. A couple of years later, on March 19, 2012 Josh Wilson achieved the "Christian Songwriter/Artist of the Year" award from The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He was also named as the future of Christian pop music. His album, Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup, was labeled one of the top ten albums of the year by GospelMusicChannel.com.

Discography

Independent albums

Title Album details
Dragonfly
  • Released: January 1, 2004
  • Label: Independent
  • Format: CD, digital download

Studio albums

Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
US
Christ

Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup
  • Released: April 29, 2008
  • Label: Sparrow Records
  • Format: CD, digital download
37
See You
  • Released: February 8, 2011
  • Label: Sparrow Records
  • Format: CD, digital download
12
Noel
  • Released: October 9, 2012
  • Label: Sparrow Records
  • Format: CD, digital download
Carry Me
  • Released: April 9, 2013
  • Label: Sparrow Records
  • Format: CD, digital download
129 5
That Was Then, This Is Now
  • Released: July 31, 2015
  • Label: Sparrow Records
  • Format: CD, digital download
144 4

Compilation albums

Title Album details
Josh Wilson
  • Released: June 11, 2010
  • Label: Sparrow Records
  • Format: CD, digital download

Extended plays

Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
Christ.

Shake the Shadow
  • Released: 2006
  • Label: Independent
  • Format: CD, digital download
Sing: A Christmas EP
  • Released: November 18, 2008
  • Label: Sparrow Records
  • Format: CD, digital download
Life Is Not a Snapshot
  • Released: September 4, 2009
  • Label: Sparrow Records
  • Format: CD, digital download
25
Live from Carson Center
  • Released: April 13, 2012
  • Label: Sparrow Records
  • Format: CD, digital download
Don't Look Back
  • Released: November 9, 2018
  • Label: Black River Christian
  • Format: CD, digital download
Remember
  • Released: September 24, 2021
  • Label: Black River Christian
  • Format: Digital download

Singles

Year Title Peak chart positions Album
US
Christ

US
Christ Airplay

US
Christ AC

2008 "3 Minute Song" 26 Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup
2009 "Savior, Please" 7 7
"Sing" 40 28 Life is Not a Snapshot
2010 "Before the Morning" 3 2
2011 "I Refuse" 3 3 See You
"Fall Apart" 6 9
2012 "Jesus Is Alive" 1 2 Noel
2013 "Carry Me" 10 14 Carry Me
"Pushing Back The Dark" 19 19
2015 "That Was Then, This Is Now" 11 5 6 That Was Then, This Is Now
2016 "No More" 32 30
2018 "Dream Small" 16 13 13 Don't Look Back
"Borrow (One Day at a Time)" 35 22 22
2019 "OK" 30
2020 "Revolutionary" 9 5 7 Remember
2021 "Undeniable" 39
2022 "Things That I'm Afraid Of" 29 25 20