By Stephanie Ockerman - Managing Editor
The unbelievable became reality for local musician and songwriter Debbie Wilson when she was named Gospel Female Vocalist of the Year last month.
Wilson was one of eight finalists in a Peoples Choice Award at the Music City Gospel Showcase in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
She sang several songs from her newly-released CD called “Road to Freedom.” It was the song “She Prayed,” written about her mother, Letha Rae Wallace Plank, that brought the house down. She received a standing ovation from the audience that included family members and her pastor.
Wilson also filmed a music video of six songs on the last day of the showcase.
Her award brought an overwhelming response: a schedule of tour dates, radio and television interviews, singing at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and a barrage of calls and emails to Wilson’s producer, Jonathan Goodwin.
“I don’t particularly like the idea of competing in gospel music,” Wilson said, “however, sometimes you have to do some things in order to carry out your ministry.”
Wilson and her husband Jimmy opened Debbie’s Music Show House on U.S. 60 west near Salt Lick in May 2005. It was through this venue and a gospel music concert there that Wilson met Goodwin and eventually became a part of his record label.
That business, C & C Music Group, heard Wilson’s heart through her singing and signed her immediately. Executives sent a compilation of her songs to the Gospel City Music Showcase host and she was selected as a nominee in the female gospel category.
“It can’t be just entertaining, it has to be a ministry,” Wilson said. “If you lose the reason, only to entertain someone, I don’t think you’re doing what God’s will is.”
Wilson gives thanks to Jimmy’s support throughout her quick yet God-inspired rise in the ranks of the gospel music industry.
As they battled Jimmy’s cancer together, Wilson changed her schedule so the couple could attend church three days a week and have church at the theatre once a month.
It was when she began to concentrate more on how to utilize the theatre to glorify God that the life-long singer found her true voice.
To order Wilson’s CD, go to the Internet to candcmusicgroup.com. It will soon be available at Wal-Mart and Christian bookstores.
To learn more about Wilson and her music, visit www.myspace.com/debbiewilsonmusic.com.
