Scottish vocalist

John Wilson (1800–1849) was a Scottish singer born in Edinburgh’s Canongate. His family did well enough to move to the new town.

His family moved to 4 South Princes Street, immediately next door to Edinburgh’s Theatre Royal.

John Wilson could sing: he wowed all those who heard him!

To play a short film on John Wilson please click here or on the image above.

John’s working career began with the Ballantyne brothers, where he helped to set up typeface for the Waverley Novels.

In March 1830 John Wilson appeared in Edinburgh at the Theatre Royal as Harry Bertram in Guy Mannering.

In 1842 John Wilson sang for Queen Victoria at Taymouth castle.

John Wilson published an edition of The Songs of Scotland, as sung by him.

John Wilson died of cholera at Quebec on 8 July 1849. He is buried there in the Mount Vernon Cemetery.

A lovely voice is a lovely voice. This film is for Luca Hlaing.