B.J. Wilson

Why B.J. Wilson Is The Unsung Hero Of Classic Rock

Are you a fan of the Back in black album, or have you found yourself humming along to the tunes of Mama Cass? Have you ever wished music could again feel like the exploration of a seventies jukebox, full of unexpected gems?

If so, there might be a forgotten legend from the classic rock era you need to rediscover: B.J. Wilson. As the unsung hero of Procol Harum, Wilson’s unique drumming style and influential contributions shaped the music we love in ways often overlooked.

Join us as we dive into an era where every drumbeat told a story, and discover how Wilson’s legacy continues to reverberate in music today.

Reason #1: He had a unique drumming style.

B.J. Wilson’s drumming was nothing short of extraordinary, marked by exceptional technique and a flair for jazz-influenced phrasing. His style incorporated complex rhythms and melodic patterns that set him apart from his contemporaries.

And Wilson didn’t just keep time; he made his drumming an essential component of Procol Harum’s music, adding distinctive accents and rhythmic flourishes that gave their songs unique structural identities. Take, for example, his unmistakable entrance in the first verse of ‘A salty dog’ – a moment that fans instantly recognise.

Despite his relatively small stature, Wilson produced a massive, powerful sound that earned him the nickname ‘Octopus in the bathtub’ due to his low, floor-hugging drumming position. His style was also influenced by his marching band background, which brought elements of rudimental drumming into his rock performances.

Reason #2: He had a huge influence on Procol Harum’s distinct sound.

B.J. Wilson’s contribution was not merely a percussive backbone to accompany the band’s melodies but rather a force that shaped their signature sound. His percussive narratives, replete with distinctive rhythmic patterns, painted vivid soundscapes that explicitly defined the band’s musical identity.

Moreover, Wilson’s drumming technique set him apart from other musicians of his era. He defied the norm, amalgamating different styles to create compelling rhythms and spatial drum textures. This would then echo through Procol Harum’s performances, effectively shaping the band’s sound and augmenting its distinctiveness in the music scene.

Reason #3: He left us with an underrated legacy.

Wilson left his imprint on many classic rock tracks, shaping the genre’s evolution.

For instance, his incredible work on ‘A whiter shade of pale’ demonstrated his ability to fluidly entwine rock and classical music elements. As a result, it gave traction to Procol Harum’s progressive rock sound. His unique drumming signature would later be heard in countless hits, such as ‘Homburg’ and ‘A salty dog’, contributing to the landscape of rock music during that time.

Unfortunately, Wilson’s name doesn’t often appear in mainstream discussions about influential rock musicians. Yet the echo of his drumming continues to reverberate in classic rock tracks, hinting at an underrated legacy worth exploring. His work continues to inspire many music enthusiasts and musicians, preserving his understated legacy.

Reason #4: He had iconic roles outside Procol Harum.

Outside of Procol Harum, B.J. Wilson’s drumming prowess was highly sought after by numerous classic rock icons, leading to several memorable collaborations. His ability to infuse raw power and boundless imagination into his performances made him a valuable asset in the music world.

One of Wilson’s standout contributions was as Joe Cocker’s drummer on the hit single ‘With a little help from my friends’. His performance on this track added a layer of intensity and creativity that arguably surpassed the original version by The Beatles. This collaboration showcased his exceptional ability to enhance a song’s emotional depth and power.

In 1983, Wilson was brought in to play drums for AC/DC during the recording of their Flick of the switch album after their drummer left. Although his tracks were not included in the final release, his involvement demonstrated his versatility and the high regard in which he was held by fellow musicians.

Wilson also contributed to Lou Reed’s 1973 album Berlin, specifically on the tracks ‘Lady day’ and ‘The kids’. These contributions highlighted his skill in adapting his drumming style to suit different genres and artists, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and innovative drummer.

Additionally, Wilson’s last recorded work was with Gary Brooker, his former bandmate from Procol Harum, on Brooker’s solo album Echoes in the night in 1985. His performances on several tracks of this album underscored his enduring impact on the music industry and his ability to maintain his distinctive style throughout his career.

These collaborations not only highlighted B.J. Wilson’s adaptability and versatility also served to reinforce his status as one of classic rock’s finest performers. His contributions to these projects are a testament to his exceptional talent and the indelible mark he left on the music world.

Key Points to Remember

B.J. Wilson, the unsung hero of classic rock, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his unique drumming style and influential contributions. Here are the key points to remember about his remarkable career:

• Unique drumming style: Wilson’s drumming was marked by exceptional technique and jazz-influenced phrasing, incorporating complex rhythms and melodic patterns. His powerful sound and distinctive low drumming position earned him the nickname ‘Octopus in the bathtub’.
• Influence on Procol Harum: Wilson’s innovative drumming greatly enriched Procol Harum’s music, shaping their signature sound with his distinctive rhythmic patterns and percussive narratives.
• Underrated legacy: Despite his significant contributions, Wilson’s name is often overlooked in mainstream discussions about influential rock musicians. His drumming on hits like ‘A whiter shade of pale’ and ‘A salty dog’ left a lasting impact on the rock genre.
• Iconic collaborations: Outside Procol Harum, Wilson collaborated with several classic rock icons.
• Enduring influence: Wilson’s ability to infuse raw power and creativity into his drumming continues to inspire musicians and music enthusiasts, cementing his place as one of classic rock’s finest performers.

Jukebox Saturday Night is your gateway to timeless music, featuring rare and unique video clips from the golden era of rock and pop. Here, we revisit and celebrate the unforgettable soundtracks of our lives.

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