CMA-Fest-X-SoFi-Vertical-Stack-2026-Nashville.png
Lifestyle  Music  CMA Fest

“I don’t see slowing down as much of an option": Stephen Wilson Jr talks CMA Fest and “American Gothic”

Resetting Your Spiritual Hard Drive

June 10, 2023 07:40 PM

Stephen Wilson Jr. is an Indiana boy who was a microbiologist and a food scientist before taking his leap of faith to pursue music full-time.

After finding his footing and sound, he hit the ground running by releasing his debut EP bon aqua, having his Grand Ol Opry debut, and Stagecoach debut.

We sat down with Stephen to discuss CMA Fest, his musical journey, his song “American Gothic” with Hailey Whitters, and his musical message.

Related Stories
IAN MUNSICK.png
CMA Fest
#CMAFest26 | Ian Munsick talks the cowboy way of life, fatherhood, and evolution as an artist
June 06, 2026 09:48 PM
MACK GEIGER.png
CMA Fest
#CMAFest26 | Mack Geiger talks Australian roots, having a viral country song, and Opry debut
June 06, 2026 02:49 PM
 · 
James Ferguson
SHANE SMITH.png
CMA Fest
#CMAFest2026 | Shane Smith and The Saints talk about finding their identity as a band and Yellowstone
June 05, 2026 10:03 PM
 · 
James Ferguson
5hnA3Ouj.jpg
CMA Fest
#CMAFest26 | Cody Lohden on working with ERNEST and transitioning from firefighter to country music star
June 05, 2026 10:02 PM
 · 
James Ferguson
CHANCEY WILLIAMS.png
CMA Fest
#CMAFest26 | Wyoming’s own Chancey Williams discusses growing up cowboy and expanding to film and TV
June 05, 2026 10:01 PM
 · 
James Ferguson
PAYTON SMITH.png
CMA Fest
#CMAFest26 | Rising star Payton Smith talks guitar skills and writing with some of country’s biggest names
June 05, 2026 10:00 PM
 · 
James Ferguson
Load More

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
classic-tractor-fever_share-image_1280x720.jpg
Presley's Country Jubilee - main cast
gaither gospel hour 22534104-g.jpg
GriddleNation_1920x1080_03_Key Art.jpg
Bluegrass Trail
Classic Tractor Fever
Hosted by Agriculture Broadcaster Brian Baxter, RFD Network’s popular series “Classic Tractor Fever” is a must-see for any tractor enthusiast. It’s the place to find the history, stories, and passion of collectors who preserve these beautiful and amazing pieces of our agricultural past.
Presleys’ Country Jubilee
The Presley Family built Branson’s Original Show on the Strip. “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” was a smash hit, and people from across the country lined up every night for a chance to hear the country music and comedy the Presley Family loved to perform.
Gaither Gospel Hour
Bill Gaither, the founder of one of gospel’s most successful groups, the Gaither Vocal Band, and his wife, Gloria, are delighted to showcase their favorite gospel music during “Gaither Gospel Hour” on RFD-TV.
Griddle Nation
Griddle Nation is a celebration of griddle-loving home cooks across the nation.
Bluegrass Trail
One of RFD Networks’ many efforts to showcase stellar American musical craftsmanship, “The Bluegrass Trail” showcases the greatest Bluegrass artists across the USA performing time-honored songs—many presented for the very first time. It’s a celebration of this nation’s musical roots right here on our Nashville stage!

ALL SHOWS