Johnnie Wilder, Jr.
Biography

Few lead singers of popular groups can point to the type of success experienced by Johnnie Wilder, Jr. during the late 70's and 80's. His group, Heatwave, literally exploded on the music scene amassing gold and multi-platinum albums. In contrast, few internationally renowned singers have experienced the agony and frustration that result from a devastating automobile accident and the very real prospects of permanent paralysis while at the zenith of their popularity. Johnnie Wilder's story then becomes one of dreams fulfilled and dreams deferred. But most important, it is a moving testimony of hope, coverage, and faith in God, set to the melody of his inspirational and innovative music.

     Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Johnnie's principal alliance with music was his involvement with his high school glee club. After graduating, he served three years in the military in Germany and formed a five man vocal group that performed primarily in military and civilian clubs in the surrounding area. After their tour of duty ended, the original group started to disband, but a small nucleus migrated to West Germany where they restructured under various names, then Heat Wave to Johnnie Wilder Jr. and the Chicago Heatwave. With the addition of a talented performer, Rod Temperton (whose credits include having written "Thriller" and "Off The Wall" for Michael Jackson), their band actively performed throughout Europe, acquiring an enviable reputation and loyal following at every stop.

     Eventually, the band relocated to England, shortened its name back to Heatwave and began to attract attention with the release of an original single entitled, "Boogie Nights". By the time the song had reached #1 in London, CBS records were already negotiating a lucrative international distribution deal with GTO records, the group's London label. The rest was history.

     The next single, "Always and Forever" propelled Too Hot To Handle to sales over three million units. With the singles "Grooveline" and "Mind Blowing Decisions" blazing the path, Central Heating also achieved multi-platinum status in 1978. As Heatwave began producing its third album, Hot Property, in recording studios located in various parts of the world, the future could not have looked brighter to Johnnie Wilder.

     That was before he decided to take advantage of a break in the hectic recording schedule to visit family and friends in his hometown of Dayton. As quickly as the plane could land, a car could be rented, and he could drive downtown, Johnnie's future, as he perceived it at the time, was over. The very moment that an out of control van totaled Johnnie's car, he was paralyzed with no body movement below the neck. It was a year before he was released from the hospital. Yet immediately, he demonstrated his amazing resilience. Though confided to a wheelchair, he traveled on Heatwave's European tour, and even recorded lead and background vocals on its fourth and fifth albums.

     So complete with his conversion, Johnnie willingly relinquished his contractual interests in Heatwave then he sent them off to record another album with his blessings, but this time without his participation. The next few years were a time of intense contemplation, reprioritizing, and physical therapy. The love and support of his wife Rosalyn and daughter Carla, both of whom also became saved, was a key factor that brought Johnnie through.

     Despite the radical shift in his public stature and earning power, Johnnie remembers being able to put the Heatwave days in perspective for the first time. "I know what I achieved and appreciate the benefits I received from being in Heatwave. But one thing I didn't have was the level of personal gratification that I now experience", he says. In the midst of this newfound peace, there was also an ongoing struggle regarding the decision to put the artistic expression that had been so much apart of his life on hold. "There were times when I went back and forth about whether or not to continue singing, without ever coming up with a conclusive answer". he recalls.

     At just that point of vacillation, Johnnie was asked to produce "Straight Company", a vocal group with a beautiful and spirited sound who were in search of a producer. Less than a year after their collaboration, Johnnie found himself in the studio recording his first solo effort entitled "My Goal". 

     In 1996 he released his second solo project entitled "One More Day", yet another collection of wonderfully constructed vocal arrangements which showcase Johnnie Wilder, Jr. at his musical best. Once again, his pure vocals and crisp overdubs almost make you forget that there are no instruments to be heard except a superior, divinely anointed voice.

     Since then Johnnie (previously nominated for two Grammy awards) has produced eight other vocal artists, is the recipient of four CAMA awards and has become one of the most sought after producers of acappella gospel music in the country. Like many gospel artists, his motivation is simply stated, "I seek no glory or admiration, initially I just wanted to do a project to God's glory, he affirms. That initial effort had left an indelible imprint on the sound of acappella music in the world.

     "Each person have their own testimony about how they came to the Lord. The music that I'm doing is my way of giving thanks to God for even being alive. I glorify God, today, I can say with confidence that I have no regrets about how my life has gone", he boldly assures. Certainly the millions who will be blessed as a result of what Johnnie Wilder, Jr. has to share will be blessed to know that he feels that way.