A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Wilson, John (1801-1849)

by William Henry Husk

WILSON, John, born in Edinburgh, according to some accounts Dec. 25, 1801, and to others Nov. 25, 1805, [App. p.817 "The date of birth has been established by Mr. James Love, who has found an entry in the Canongate Records of Edinburgh, to the effect that the singer was the son of John Wilson, a coach-driver, and was born Dec. 25, 1800, and baptized Jan. 4, 1801"] was apprenticed to a printer, and afterwards became corrector of the press to Ballantyne & Co., in which capacity many of the Waverley novels passed through his hands. In 1816 he applied himself to the study of music. After officiating as precentor in a church, he became in 1824 a pupil of Finlay Dun, and soon afterwards appeared at the Edinburgh concerts. In 1827 he commenced teaching singing. He studied under Creselli [App. p.817 "Crivelli"], and in March 1830 appeared at the Edinburgh theatre as Henry Bertram in 'Guy Mannering.' His success was so decided that he was straightway engaged for Covent Garden, where he came out Oct. 16, 1830, as Don Carlos in 'The Duenna.' He continued at that theatre until 1835, when he removed to Drury Lane, where he sang in Balfe's 'Siege of Rochelle' and other operas. In 1838, in company with Miss Shirreff and Mr. and Mrs. E. Seguin, he visited America, where he was warmly welcomed. On his return to England he commenced giving those Scottish table entertainments with which his name subsequently became identified, and to which from May 1841 he exclusively devoted himself. He gave them throughout England and Scotland with the greatest success. Their titles were 'A Nicht wi' Burns,' 'Anither Nicht wi' Burns,' 'Adventures of Prince Charlie,' 'Wandering Willie's Wallet,' 'Mary Queen of Scots,' 'Jacobite Relics,' 'The Jameses of Scotland,' 'The Wallace and the Bruce,' and 'A Haver wi' Jamie Hogg.' Early in 1849 he revisited America. At Quebec he was attacked by cholera and died there July 8, 1849. Wilson's voice was a pure, sweet-toned tenor, and he sang with great taste.

[ W. H. H. ]