It was felt necessary to approach WILSON and to become more aware of how he developed his artistic and musical talents. Being a very private person by nature this was no easy task to persuade WILSON to at least give us mere mortals a glimpse into his deep and complex character. Being an only child, He experienced a very loving and nurturing upbringing by his parents. He was a quiet and thoughtful young man in his early years, and developed well intellectually in his academic schooling. As he matured he became more and more interested in art and music. His father was a commercial artist and both his parents performed on stage. His mother was a member of a dancing troupe and an accomplished accordion player. His father had a comedy act using his artistic talents to entertain others with his 'Chalk and Talk' routine. In this loving home envronment WILSON was spiritually and creatively well grounded in his early years. He had a very strong artistic talent at a young age, however, it is interesting that his parents did not encourage him to follow a career in the arts. In his early teens He became focused on 'walking on the wild side' and experiencing altered creative states of consciousness, and this period developed a lifelong quest to follow Socrates's ideal.... to "Know Thyself". This thirst for self knowledge and personal development has created a life as colourful as each palette that he may choose to create a 'Heaven or Hell' for himself. Through this journey WILSON has come to an understanding of his complex self, and now reached a SPONTANEOUS state of being where he receives powerful impressions from the universe. The 'INLUENCERS' in WILSON's life, dead or alive, have helped create a genius who knows no boundaries, yet by creating his own rules for living, sometimes it appears that only his advanced state of being understands the WHY. Let's explore some of the influences that have contributed to WILSON's multi-dimensional life. One of the first beings to influence WILSON was when he came upon a classic piece of literature by Jack Kerouac. 'ON THE ROAD'
THE BEAT GENERATION The story couldn't help but give birth to a legend. Jack Kerouac, fueled by inspiration, coffee and Benzedrine, sat down at his typewriter and in one burst of creative energy wrote the novel that would make him the voice of his generation. The book was On the Road, completed -- from start to finish -- in only three weeks. And he used just one long, scrolled piece of paper, improvising endlessly, just like a jazz musician caught up in the excitement of spontaneous creation.
Listening to this video clip will give you an appreciation of why this icon of the Beat Generation, Jac Kerouac appealed to Wilson's inquisitive spirit. It was the beginning of His private and fascinating journey 'On The Road'.
From reading Kerouac's classic book WILSON was exposed to a whole new dimension of life. It appealed to His restless spirit and to his desire to create and leave a legacy for mankind. He was further intrigued by the 'Beat Generation' and Alduous Huxley, Timothy Leary and poet Alan Ginsberg.
It was around this period in time (early 1961 )when WILSON formed his Blues Band. The band 'The Trakkers' concentrated on American Blues with a mix of some popular music of the era. As the band was developing a following, WILSON was impressed by the music and poetic and 'edgy' content of Bob Dylan's lyrics. He recognized in Dylan a restless yet kindred spirit. Dylan opened up the hip side of Wilson's personality to an alternative freedom and a more creative lifestyle.
BOB DYLAN
The next influence came when a Rock & Roll show came to Glasgow headed by Chuck Berry, Carl Perkins,Little Richard, Bo Diddley and supported by Eric Burdon and the Animals. This opportunity was too good to miss. Being a fellow musician WILSON met with the artists after the show,and gained some really valuable insight into the business.
