Lainey Wilson's Breakout Moment on Hit Show Yellowstone

Introducing Lainey Wilson, the Singer-Songwriter Taking Yellowstone by Storm

The hit Paramount series Yellowstone has not only brought the dramatic power struggles of the Dutton family into homes across America, it has also introduced fans to the music of up-and-coming country star Lainey Wilson. Playing a fictionalized version of herself on the show, Wilson and her blend of traditional country, blues, and folk have won over viewers just as quickly as her on-screen friendship with the Duttons has developed.

Getting Her Big Break on Yellowstone

For Lainey Wilson, landing a recurring guest role on a hugely popular series like Yellowstone was a pivotal moment in her career. Though she had been steadily building an audience with her album releases and tour dates, Wilson was still relatively unknown outside of Nashville and country music circles. That all changed when she first appeared in season 4 of the show as a singer performing at the famed 6666 Ranch in Texas, which was recently acquired by the Duttons.

Show creator Taylor Sheridan is known for seamlessly blending contemporary country music into his neo-Western narratives - in fact, stars like Ryan Bingham and Wade Bowen have also appeared on the show over the years. For Wilson, not only was being tapped by Sheridan for a guest appearance a big stamp of approval, but her character’s subsequent friendship with Beth Dutton has greatly expanded her fanbase. Their duet on “The Card You Gamble,” which Wilson co-wrote, became an instant hit with viewers in season 5.

Watermelon Moonshine: Wilson's Breakout Song from the Show

While Wilson has performed multiple songs on the show, it’s her original tune “Watermelon Moonshine” that has particularly resonated with Yellowstone’s audience. Her soulful vocals and the bluesy cry of the Dobro guitar in the song have intrigued viewers, as has the song’s unique lyrics about spending time with someone special down by the river. Wilson has discussed channeling nostalgic memories of young summer romances in her Mississippi hometown as inspiration for the song.

The same haunting and longing quality in “Watermelon Moonshine” translates on screen in Wilson’s scenes with Beth Dutton. Their slowly developing bond through music feels authentic, especially as Beth continues to struggle with inner demons. Fans are already speculating future collaborations in season 6 and hoping that Wilson's rising star will mean even more screen time going forward.

More About Lainey Wilson Beyond Yellowstone

So who exactly is Lainey Wilson beyond what viewers have seen from her character on Yellowstone? Born and raised in rural Louisiana, Wilson grew up singing in church choirs and learning to play instruments from her musician father. Major influences she cites are icons like Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt and Willie Nelson - artists known for blending genres like country, blues, soul, and Americana who inspire the unique sound in Wilson’s music as well.

After struggling to get her career off the ground in Nashville for years, she ultimately broke through with the release of her album “Sayin’ What I’m Thinkin’'” in 2021. Singles from that record like “Things a Man Oughta Know” started climbing the country music charts, earning her first big radio airplay. Since appearing on Yellowstone though and gaining national exposure from the show, Wilson earned her first-ever Grammy nominations heading into the upcoming 2023 awards show.

Performing Songs from Yellowstone Live in Concert

Fans attending Lainey Wilson’s concerts in the past year have been treated to not only her original songs, but also live renditions of the music she’s recorded for the show like “Watermelon Moonshine.” Clips of her performances shared from venues across the country have only heightened anticipation for a full-length Yellowstone soundtrack release featuring Wilson’s recordings.

Wilson also customarily dedicates her rousing rendition of “Working Hard for the Money” to Beth Dutton during each set as a nod to their on-screen camaraderie. Her lively shows are representative of her small-town Louisiana roots, featuring plenty of skilled guitar work and a gospel-tinged soulfulness - easy to see why Sheridan tapped her to bring added country authenticity to the ranch and rodeo world on Yellowstone.

The Future Looks Bright for Lainey Wilson

With critical music industry acclaim mounting, a passionate fanbase with millions of streams online, and now starring on cable TV’s most popular show, the future looks exceedingly bright at the moment for Lainey Wilson. Having such a major spotlight from Yellowstone to display her prolific songwriting chops and pure country voice has instantly catapulted her career to the next level after years of trying to break through in Nashville.

How her character’s storyline develops with the Duttons, especially the ever-complex Beth Dutton, will be fascinating viewing in new episodes of the show launching this summer. But Wilson has already proved she adds a special energy and musicality to one of TV’s most watched dramas - with her rising star-power, fans should certainly expect to be seeing and hearing a lot more from her in the years ahead.

FAQs

How did Lainey Wilson get her role on Yellowstone?

Show creator Taylor Sheridan chose Lainey Wilson for a guest role after hearing her music. He liked her traditional country/blues sound and thought she would bring authenticity to the ranch setting and country music elements of the show.

What Lainey Wilson songs have been featured on the show?

Lainey has performed several of her original songs on Yellowstone, like "Watermelon Moonshine" and "The Card You Gamble." She also covered classics like "Working Hard for the Money" as a nod to her friendship with Beth Dutton.

Is Lainey Wilson’s character a singer on Yellowstone?

Yes, Wilson plays a fictionalized version of herself on the show - a country singer/songwriter gaining more fame through her music and friendship with the Dutton family.

Where can I see Lainey Wilson play live concert dates?

Wilson actively tours across the U.S. year-round. Her website has a live concert page listing upcoming shows in various cities that fans can check for dates and ticket information.