Anita Wilson Stopped by the Praise 104.1 Studio Today

With her debut project, Anita Wilson joins the rich musical heritage known as the Chicago sound, while simultaneously heralding a new style in today’s gospel music—Worship Soul.  A worship leader and featured vocalist in the award-winning ensemble Donald Lawrence & Company, she boldly takes the solo stage with an album that is at once fiery and soulful, dynamic and meditative.

From the high-church energy of “It’s Done,” and “He Shows Out,” to the passionate reflection of “Speechless” and “Perfect Love Song,” the striking, 11-song collection is evidence not merely of a great new talent, but of a seasoned minister.

Anita began singing when she was five years old, growing up in East St. Louis, Illinois.  Barely in kindergarten, she took her place as a singer in the church her father pastored.  To those spiritual roots she added the powerful influence of jazz and R&B singers like Sarah Vaughn, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder.  As a teenager, she studied the masterful vocalists she discovered in 90’s urban music, including Lalah Hathaway, Brandy, and Faith Evans.

Those diverse voices and genres blended to create Anita’s unique approach to song.  “I have a different style,” she admits.  “It is traditional Baptist, but it’s contemporary too. I have the heart of worship and I’m very laid back. I’m always myself, and God blesses that.”

From the prologue “Have Your Way” to the epilogue “More of You,” Worship Soul beckons the listener to worship with ease, to enjoy a new revelation of God’s presence.  Anita’s confident, clearly defined, artistic vision is the outgrowth of a unique journey.

“I was on the fence for a long time about doing a solo project,” Anita explains.  “I prayed about it for years and years.”  She had settled in her mind that solo artistry wasn’t for her, that she wouldn’t sell millions of records.