The collaboration between Shaboozey and Stephen Wilson Jr. on the credits song for Stephen King’s latest film adaptation seems almost serendipitous, with a series of events leading up to their performance at the CMA Awards. Meeting by chance at a party, the duo quickly bonded over their shared admiration for each other’s work. Wilson Jr. remembered, “[Shaboozey] had heard a song or two of mine, and was like, ‘You’re a bad dude.’ And I was like, ‘You’re a bad dude.’ … And then sure enough, two years later, he asked me to be a part of this song.”
Their history with Stephen King’s work dates back even further, with Wilson Jr. recalling how a song from the movie “Stand By Me,” based on King’s novella “The Body,” played a significant role in his career. Shaboozey, a longtime fan of the horror author, was ecstatic to learn that his song “Last of My Kind” was featured in the trailer for “The Long Walk.” Inspired to do more, Shaboozey reached out to his team to inquire about creating additional music for the film, eventually leading to the creation of the end credits song.
The resulting track, titled “Took A Walk,” was a collaborative effort that showcased both artists’ talents and passion for King’s work. Wilson Jr. was immediately impressed by the song and worked diligently to match the energy and quality of Shaboozey’s verses and chorus. The rapid progression from writing the song to hearing it featured in the film’s trailer to performing it at the CMAs left both artists in awe of the entire process.
For Wilson Jr., the experience of performing “Stand by Me” and “Took a Walk,” both songs inspired by Stephen King’s movies, has been a full-circle moment in his career. Reflecting on the journey that brought them to this point, Shaboozey noted the unique connection they shared with King’s work. The collaboration between the two artists and their shared admiration for the author culminated in a dream opportunity to contribute to the film’s soundtrack.
After their showstopping performance at the CMAs, fans and critics alike praised Wilson Jr. for his talent and artistry. Despite facing tough competition for the New Artist of the Year award, Wilson Jr.’s performance with Shaboozey was a standout moment of the night, earning him recognition for his exceptional musical abilities. With his recent album release and growing popularity in the industry, Wilson Jr.’s collaboration with Shaboozey has solidified his reputation as a rising star in the music world.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.