Tiffany Wilson: A Journey Through Music, Family, and Community
Photos by Jordan Somers
In a recent episode of We Live In Color, host Deaunte Damper interviewed Tiffany Wilson, known for her powerful voice and presence throughout Seattle's soul music scene. Wilson, known for her deep-rooted connection to neo-soul and gospel, talked with Damper about her start, career, and current standing in Seattle's bustling music scene.
Wilson's story begins with her family's move from Memphis, Tennessee, to the Greater Seattle area, where she was raised in a musically vibrant household. Music, particularly gospel, was a cornerstone of her upbringing, and her early years were spent surrounded by the soulful sounds that would later define her career.
Reflecting on her childhood, Wilson shared, "I started in church. I used to go to New Covenant Christian Center."
Continuing, she said, "I grew up in a house with music playing, going home all the time to Memphis, that's just what it was."
Her connection to music deepened as she graduated from Decatur High School in Federal Way, where she had the opportunity to join a group. After high school, her talent quickly caught the attention of local artists and producers, leading her to join the gospel pack Soul, where she began to refine her craft and further develop her unique sound.
"It was in that that I discovered just recording and working with other artists, getting my feet wet as a recording artist," Wilson said.
Wilson later branched out on her own to record her debut album. In 2003, she boldly moved to Los Angeles, immersing herself in the city's vibrant music scene. During her time in LA, she collaborated with industry heavyweights, including Josef Leimberg and the late Nate Dogg. Wilson recalls her time in LA as productive and creative, offering her the chance to work alongside some of the best in the business.
Despite the allure of LA, Wilson's deep sense of family eventually drew her back to Seattle. "I'm an auntie, and I love children. My sister was having her third child. My middle nephew didn't know me as well. My oldest did, and I kind of didn't want to miss any more of that family for LA," she explained. "LA is very superficial and plastic at times, full of compromise. Things I wasn't really there to do weren't going to do, and so I wasn't going to keep sacrificing my family for California."
Wilson's return to Seattle marked a new chapter in her career, where she continued to explore her artistry while staying connected to her roots.
Like many artists, Wilson faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. With live performances halted and social interactions limited, she had to adapt to a new reality.
"I actually lost a lot of work. I lost friends. It was great in the respect that it showed you who you had. It was hurtful in the respect that it showed you who you have," Wilson said. "So I lost work. I would get gigs and then say certain things and lose a gig and all kinds of stuff. People that you respected, that you called friends, were now talking, you know, crazy to you a little bit, and it was like, Are you serious? So it did. It showed you who you had, and then it also showed you who you were, made of, what you could do. So I did."
Wilson began recording live sessions from home, returning to the basics of music by filming and producing from a home studio.
"I had to redefine myself," Wilson said.
Since the pandemic, Wilson has been busy with work, performing with the likes of Teatro ZinZanni. In addition, she's been putting on for Seattle's musical community, which is evident in her work with Seraphim, a project she curated to support local artists by providing them with a solid backing band for performances. "We give you a solid unit of really talented, stellar musicians, and to the point where they, if they have to listen for a split second to learn whatever song it is you're bringing to the stage, they do it, and they and they do their very best to play whatever anyone wants to sing. We rarely say no," Wilson said.
Looking Ahead, as she reflects on her journey, Wilson remains deeply grateful for the support of her family, particularly her mother and sister, who have been her biggest champions and WLIC tributes.
"My sister always tells me keep leaping. Keep leaping. And she's a really great example of continuing to leap. My mom has always been a leaper, always entrepreneur, being not afraid to start new things, build, grow," Wilson said. "Those are the people who have told me, You're doing great. Keep it up. Don't stop. I mean, I hear it, but we hear it from mom and sister; sometimes it doesn't matter what anyone else is saying."
With a career spanning decades and a legacy rooted in community, Tiffany Wilson is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and love. Her music resonates with audiences, and her influence on Seattle's cultural landscape is undeniable.
For those who want to keep up with Tiffany Wilson, she can be found online at TiffanyWilsonMusic.com and on Instagram and Facebook under the handle @TiffanyWilsonMusic.
Tune in to We Live In Color with Deaunte every Thursday on all Converge Media platforms for more engaging conversations with inspiring guests like Tiffany to hear more about advocacy, inclusivity, and living life in color!
