Amarillo’s own, Jim Wilson, is set to release his autobiography, “Tuned In: Memoirs of a Piano Man,” offering a captivating narrative of his journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a multi-award-winning recording artist. The autobiography is currently available for pre-order.
Within the pages of the book, Wilson reflects on his early life in Amarillo, raised by his mother, a former local school teacher. He traces the origins of his musical interest back to the age of 7 and vividly recounts the pivotal moment when he transitioned from playing the guitar, gifted to him by a family friend, to cultivating a lifelong love for music through the piano.
A recurring theme in the memoir is the transformative power of singular moments—how one decision, one person, or one encounter can alter the course of one’s life. Wilson shares a poignant memory from his childhood, where a family friend, Toy, spontaneously gifted him a guitar, unknowingly setting in motion a series of events that would shape his entire musical journey.
Having played in professional bands since the age of 14, Wilson eventually shifted from guitar to piano at 19, a move that laid the foundation for his distinctive piano style. His pursuit of musical dreams led him to California, where he supported himself as a piano tuner during the day while honing his musical skills at night. Wilson became renowned for his unique tuning techniques that gave the piano a distinct “Wilson way” of singing.
In California, Wilson’s life took unexpected turns, including jam sessions with Paul McCartney, riding alongside Carole King, and hitting the ski slopes with Dan Fogelberg. In the mid-’80s, he played a key role in developing a groundbreaking MIDI-adaptor for the acoustic piano, enabling its interaction with computers and synthesizers. This innovation earned him a top-tier reputation, with Wilson teaching the nuances of MIDI-piano to renowned pop musicians like McCartney, Elton John, Jackson Browne, and others.
The autobiography also delves into Wilson’s collaboration with Spectrasonics on the release of “Keyscape,” a virtual instrument featuring an extensive collection of unique, collector keyboards, including Wilson’s personally customized Yamaha C7. The memoir unfolds Wilson’s personal and professional growth, exploring his pursuit of musical dreams following a friend’s tragic death and emphasizing the importance of seizing the moment.
Jim Wilson’s discography boasts impressive achievements, with four of his ten recordings reaching the Billboard Top-20. His 2018 masterpiece, “Remembrance: A Collection of Cinematic Portraits,” topped the Amazon and iTunes charts and held the No. 2 position on Billboard’s instrumental chart for two consecutive weeks.
Wilson’s autobiography not only offers a glimpse into the world of a gifted musician but also serves as a source of inspiration for readers to pursue their dreams despite challenges. With local ties to Amarillo, Wilson’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of passion and resilience.
