Dan Wilson

Dan Wilson is an acclaimed American musician, singer, songwriter, producer, and visual artist known for his influential work across pop, rock, and country music.

Born on May 20, 1961, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, Wilson graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University with a degree in Visual and Environmental Studies, focusing on printmaking. He began his music career with the Minneapolis-based band Trip Shakespeare before rising to fame as the frontman of the alt-rock group Semisonic, best known for their Grammy-nominated hit "Closing Time."

Beyond his work as a performer, Wilson has become one of the most respected songwriters and producers in the music industry. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Adele, Taylor Swift, The Chicks, John Legend, Chris Stapleton, and Mitski. His songwriting has earned him multiple Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year in 2007 for "Not Ready to Make Nice" (with The Chicks) and Album of the Year in 2012 for Adele’s 21, which featured the global hit "Someone Like You."

In 2024, Wilson won the Grammy for Best Country Song for "White Horse," co-written with Chris Stapleton. The following year, he won Best Song Written for Visual Media for "It Never Went Away," a collaboration with Jon Batiste for the documentary American Symphony.

As a solo artist, Wilson has released several well-received albums, including Free Life (2007), Love Without Fear (2014), and Re-Covered (2017), which showcase his distinct voice and lyrical depth. In 2023, Semisonic reunited to release Little Bit of Sun, their first full-length album in over 20 years, featuring collaborations with artists like Jason Isbell and Jim James.

Dan Wilson’s career is a testament to his enduring talent, versatility, and his gift for creating songs that resonate across generations.