
ALT The Indiana-born singer-songwriter studied microbiology and chemistry at Middle Tennessee State University before working as a food scientist in research and development at Mars, the company behind Pedigree and other pet food brands. He even helped develop Dentastix Fresh, a dental chew for dogs. But music was always part of his life. A former Golden Gloves boxing finalist and indie rock guitarist, Wilson Jr. eventually left his science career in 2016 to pursue songwriting, landing a publishing deal with BMG Nashville. After writing songs recorded by artists including Tim McGraw and Old Dominion, he signed with Big Loud Records and released his debut double album, søn of dad, in 2023. The 22-track project was dedicated to his late father, who had encouraged him to pursue music. Now, a decade after leaving the lab, Stephen Wilson Jr. is one of the most-nominated artists at the 2026 CMA Awards.






















