We had the good fortune of connecting with Larry Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Larry, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The older I get the more I embrace and appreciate my life’s purpose and that is SERVICE. I want to contribute something positive to the world and help inspire and equip other people to do that same. My creativity and my artistry is my best means of doing that. So all of my business are geared toward using music to improve the lives and careers of people, to build bridges and connect artistically in ways that generate forward moment.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a musician, producer, and a composer. I specialize in Jazz, Gospel/inspirational, R&B and pop music. I own Truth Music Productions, a music production company as well as my own recording studio (Wilson Works Studios). I’m also the founder of 4 bands The Band Smoke, a Club/party band that performs all over Atlanta and abroad at various night clubs, lounges, festivals, and private parties. The Black Gold Orchestra is a 20 piece Jazz big band orchestra comprised of ALL BLACK musicians. The Larry Wilson Quintet is my own jazz band which one released three critically acclaimed records with. Potluck is my newest project, a jazz fusion band and we’re recoding our first album this year.

One of the great things I appreciate and take pride in about my career is how multifaceted and expansive it is. I operate in many different arenas and circles. It’s impossible to box me into any one genre or musical lane. And I try my best to be true and authentic to everything that do. If you were to se me play jazz, you might assume that’s all I do. Or if you saw at a club doin r&b you might assume THATS all is so. Or even if you saw me at church leading worship, you could easily assume THATS all I do. But if you saw me doing all of those things you’d discover that’s not the case but I’m so passionate about music that what ever I’m doin I give my all to it to do it well!

The process to achieving different levels of success is never easy as a creative entrepreneur. You have to constantly negotiate the euphoria of creating and expressing your art and passion with the harsh realities and obligations of life and business. Art can not thrive without commerce. I got where I am today professionally by cultivating and maintaining GOOD RELATIONSHIPS! Is music, all you have is your name and reputation. THAT’S YOUR RESUMÉ. Doing your best and treating people right are the two main keys to longevity as a musician. Coming from a single parent home where we didn’t have much and were separated for our extended family, I had to learn to build my own family. It taught me how to build relationships and networks of people.

The most important thing to living a CV happy life is knowing the importance of PEOPLE. People give what we do, contact and importance. If what I’m doing has no positive impact on people, then I’m not doing anything. That’s the greatest lesson for me. I’m proud that what I do is impacting people in a positive way wether it’s taping their vibrations at one of my shows, or helping them bring their own artistic ideas to life, or educating them on how to become better in their craft, or giving them hope and spiritual healing through song. I want to touch people! Andi believe I’m doing that

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Monday- TEN ATL Jazz and Art Jam session to hear some of the best jazz musicians in the city

Tuesday – The Patio Social Club for cigars, food, and drinks. Along with amazing music

Wednesday – Cigar City Club for Part two of Tuesday nights vibes

Thursday – Red Phone Booth for exclusive high level fun

Friday – St James Live for a fantastic dinner and a show from one of Atlanta’s finest local bands

Saturday – The Velvet Note Jazz Club to hear some of the best jazz music in the city

Sunday – Table 25 fork and Wine for more amazing eats and drinks! Sessions music there as well

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Of like to shout out my wife, Christine Wilson who is working so diligently and excellently toward her dreams and goals while selflessly supporting me and our family in our pursuits and dreams! She’s brilliant author, editor, visual storyteller and graphic artist. PLEASE BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR HER!

Website: Larrymwilsonmusic.com

Instagram: @LarryWilsonmusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larry.wilson2

Youtube: Drumnkeyz86

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