Legendary Songwriter Norro Wilson Celebrates his 81st Birthday

Although Wilson had passed away back in 2017, his legacy remains. Let us take a look back at the journey of the singer-songwriter as we celebrate his special day.

40 Years in the Business

With Norro’s longevity in the music industry, it is no surprise that he worked with a lot of country artists. He is most known for co-writing hits for singers like David Houston, Jean Shepard, Charlie Rich, Charley Pride, George Jones, and Tammy Wynette, among many others. Only a few people can say that they have worked with these legendary country musicians.

The singer was born on April 4, 1938, at Scottsville, Kentucky. Growing up, he was already fond of music. He learned how to play piano and mastered it at the age of eight. Now, that is someone you can call a child prodigy.

It also helped him be well-versed in the music. He then chose the path of becoming a songwriter and a singer at the same time. During his later years, he even produced songs for other country artists who are just starting their career. 

Norro’s Success

Wilson started small during his early days. He first joined a barbershop quartet back when he was still in school. He had a music scholarship but had to leave that for a gig. He then toured with his new Southlanders Gospel Group. He worked very hard with the group as they did their gig day-in-day-out.

But it did not pan out for the songwriter. He started his solo career to make a mark for himself. He did his first song with the influence of John D. Loudermilk, he felt that his passion is for songwriting.

He then wrote Baby, Baby for David Houston, I’ll See Him Through and He Loves Me All The Way for Tammy Wynette. Also, Phone Call To Mama for Joyce Paul, Patti Page’s big hit I Wish I Had A Mommy Like You and Charlie Rich’s July 12, 1939.

With his continuous hard work, he won his first Grammy as a songwriter for Best Country Song “A Very Special Love Song.” He got also inducted into the Kentucky Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame for all his works.

Not only is he mega talented at what he does, but he also had the heart to help other artists so they could flourish and become one of the music icons we look up to today.

Check out one of Norro’s recent performance when he was still alive:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6aJVhzcqmA&list=RDEMDn46OHY0xg4PL2MgRdF4jQ&start_radio=1