OSCAR WILSON

Oscar was born 69 years ago on Chicago’s south side, the youngest of nine children who were always singing Do Op, Motown, and the Blues. He began singing as a kid but didn’t start singing professionally until later in life, when he performed for the first time at Buddy Guy’s Legends with Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith and the Cash Box Kings, receiving a standing ovation. He’s been singing, writing songs, and wowing the crowds ever since. His favorite blues musicians coming up were Lighting Hopkins, BB King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, and Howling Wolf. Big “O,” as he has been nicknamed, has toured abroad in more than a dozen countries — from Canada to Australia. Oscar has been honored with many blues industry awards and nominations. He is incredibly proud of being nominated for song of the year by Living Blues Magazine, “The Wine Talkin,” which he co-wrote with Shemeka Copeland. As Oscar says, “I never thought I’d be a blues singer, but you get that blues note that moves you, and I sing from my soul and heart.”