Wilson, John

1801-1849

 

Celebrated Scotch singer; born in Edinburgh. He was apprenticed to a printer, thus many of the Waverley novels passed through his hands. Always fond of music he began its study in 1816 and not long afterwards was made precentor of the Relief Church in Roxburg Place, and in 1826 of the new church of St. Mary. In 1824 he studied under Finlay Dun and began singing at the Edinburgh concerts, and in 1827 began teaching. Having studied under several teachers he placed himself under the famous Creselli in 1829. He also studied elocution and in 1830 made his first appearance at the Edinburgh Theatre. He made a success and the same year was engaged at Covent Garden, London, where he sang until 1835, when he went to Drury Lane Theatre. In 1838 he visited America and was enthusiastically received. Returning to England he began those Scottish table entertainments, for which he was famous, devoting himself exclusively to them after 1841. In 1849 he again visited America and died at Quebec.