Jessy Wilson

Jessy Wilson, born in Brooklyn, New York, developed her musical talents early, graduating from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School. Her career began providing backing vocals for prominent artists such as Alicia Keys on albums and tours. In 2013, seeking new opportunities as a singer-songwriter, Wilson relocated to Nashville, Tennessee. It was there she connected with Kallie North, initiating the formation of the duo Muddy Magnolias in 2014. Mentored by John Legend, Wilson quickly established herself within the Nashville music scene. The duo gained significant attention, with Rolling Stone comparing Wilson’s vocals to Aretha Franklin after their performance at the 2014 CMA Music Festival.

Muddy Magnolias signed with Third Generation Records and released their debut album, “Broken People,” in 2016. Their music, described as a blend of ‘city grit and delta dirt,’ resonated with audiences and critics. The duo performed at major festivals including Hangout Fest, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits. However, the group disbanded in 2017 after Kallie North’s departure. This marked a turning point for Wilson, who subsequently embarked on a solo career, expanding her artistic expression into visual art, drawing parallels to Pablo Picasso’s approach to different “phases” of artistic development.

In 2019, Jessy Wilson launched her solo career with the single “Love & Sophistication,” followed by her debut album, “Phase,” produced by Patrick Carney of The Black Keys and released through Thirty Tigers Records. This album showcased her evolution as an artist, moving beyond her previous work while maintaining her soulful R&B roots. Wilson’s continued dedication to her craft has earned her recognition, including Grammy nominations for songwriting contributions to albums for artists like Fantasia and Ledisi, and more recently, a Grammy nod for her work on “The Woman King” soundtrack.