REV. JOHN WILKINS

Biography

Reverend John Wilkins was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1943, to Reverend Robert Wilkins, a pre-war blues musician. He began playing guitar at the age of five alongside his father in church, describing his ability as a 'gift from God.' By nine, Wilkins was performing with gospel groups around Memphis, and as a teenager, he incorporated blues into his repertoire, playing at local juke joints on weekends while continuing to play gospel on Sundays. He also participated in sessions at Stax Records. In his adult life, Wilkins chose to focus on gospel music, becoming the pastor of Hunter's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Como, Mississippi, starting in 1985. His music blended elements of blues and gospel, reflecting his roots and spiritual commitment. Wilkins' career gained momentum in the 2000s, with him touring nationally and internationally alongside his daughters, who provided backing vocals. His album Trouble was released shortly before his passing in 2023 at the age of 76, following a prolonged battle with COVID-19 and its aftereffects.

Fun Facts

• Reverend John Wilkins was part of the North Mississippi fife and drum tradition, with his church hosting notable fife players.
• He sat in on sessions at Stax Records during his early career.
• Wilkins' music career gained momentum after retiring from his day job at the Memphis Parks Department in 2006.
• His father, Reverend Robert Wilkins, wrote 'Rolling Stone' in 1928, which was later covered by The Rolling Stones.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Reverend Robert Wilkins - father and early musical influence (gospel and blues performances) [1940s-1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Tangela Longstreet, Joyce Jones, and Tawana Cunningham - daughters who provided backing vocals (touring and album Trouble) [2000s-2020s]

Artists Influenced

• None documented - influence not explicitly documented (N/A) [N/A]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. You Got to Move (You Can't Hurry God)
2. You Can't Hurry God (You Can't Hurry God)
3. Let the Redeemed Say So (You Can't Hurry God)
4. Jesus Will Fix It (You Can't Hurry God)
5. Sinner's Prayer (You Can't Hurry God)
6. Prodigal Son (You Can't Hurry God)
7. Wade in the Water (Trouble)
8. I Want You to Help Me (You Can't Hurry God)
9. Thank You Sir (You Can't Hurry God)
10. On the Battlefield (You Can't Hurry God)

External Links

• Spotify
• [Wikipedia](No Wikipedia page found)
• MusicBrainz