Glenn Wilson

Visiting Lecturer in Jazz

B.M.Ed., Youngstown State University; M.M. (jazz performance), University of Illinois.

Glenn has been a professional jazz saxophonist for over 30 years. After completing his undergraduate degree in 1977, Glenn moved to New York City, where he worked and recorded with The Buddy Rich Band, Lionel Hampton Orchestra, Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra, Tito Puente, Machito, Bill Kirchner Nonet, Bob Belden Ensemble, and scores of other jazz and latin-jazz groups. Glenn recorded his first CD as a leader, the highly-reviewed Impasse, in 1984 for Cadence Records. In 1988, Glenn began his association with Sunnyside Records with the release of Elusive. Three more CDs with Sunnyside - Bittersweet, Blue Porpoise Avenue, and One Man’s Blues - as well as a recording for Timeless Records, Lee’s Keys Please, followed in the next decade. Glenn also appeared on over 25 jazz recordings as a sideman during this time. Glenn’s CDs are featured in the Penguin Guide of Jazz and The Grammophone Guide to Good Jazz, and he has also received a National Endowment for the Arts Grant and has been featured in the DownBeat Magazine Critics Poll in the Baritone Saxophone category. From 1991-2001 Glenn was an active member of the jazz community in Virginia, Washington DC, and Baltimore. He performed numerous times at The Kennedy Center and Blues Alley Jazz Club. In 1993 he recorded with pianist Bruce Hornsby on Harbor Lights and joined Bruce’s band. With Bruce, he was featured on "VH1 Center Stage," "Austin City Limits" and "Arsenio Hall," and received a gold record for his playing and arrangements on Harbor Lights. Glenn continues to record for Sunnyside Records and leads an active touring schedule performing in clinics, concerts and clubs around the world. Glenn and family reside in Normal, IL where his wife, Janet, is assistant professor of acting at Illinois State University.