About

Wilder Sounds delivers musical memories from a variety of eras and styles, engaging audiences through the music they love that shaped their lives.

Picking up the guitar at the age of twelve was one of the best decisions Gary Wilder ever made, after marrying his wife René. Gary began taking guitar lessons from a bluegrass guitar player/fiddler named Buck Allen. Gary learned early on to play with others and listen to what they were doing, as he would play acoustic guitar while Buck played fiddle to bluegrass classics like “Milkcow Blues.” Gary also learned lead and harmony singing in church choirs growing up. After this early musical education, Gary was drawn to the music of the Beatles and rock and roll, and that love has never left him. After high school, he fronted bands, playing rhythm guitar, lead guitar, singing lead vocals, with bass and keyboards also in his arsenal. Gary has also gone to luthier school, and built an electric and acoustic guitar that are his two number ones he uses. He is an accomplished performer and entertainer and loves interacting with his audiences. 

Since retiring to Ellijay in 2020, Gary has focused on solo/duo acoustic work at local wineries and venues in the Ellijay area, with a musical focus on acoustic classics from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Gary is also getting an opportunity to add his keyboard skills to the smooth jazz band Kool Breeze featuring Jim Richter in Ellijay.