BigTime Shine is a band that performs Southern Rock and Blues along with a little Gospel for good measure. The group was originally founded in 2003 as BigTime Party Band by music business veteran Johnny Wilson. After being away from the live music world for more than 10 years while building a very successful Disc Jockey business, Wilson decided to get back into the game with the hopes of creating a performing group that could entertain and impress a wide range of music lovers. Following some changes in initial lineup, the elder Wilson’s son John Wilson joined the group as lead vocalist and guitarist in 2007 and they quickly became one of the hottest live acts in the Southeast.  March of 2009 saw the release of their debut album which included several excellent original tunes along with some great classic covers. Shortly thereafter, the group received a CBMA award nomination for “Best New Artist”.

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In 2012, the group released of the single “Cherry Groove” to an ecstatic response from the public. The song became a sure fire hit on radio stations in the Carolinas and Virginia. Songwriters John Wilson and Barry Briggs recieved a CBMA nomination for “Songwriter(s) of the Year”.  The year 2013 brought two more CBMA nominations for "Collaboration of the Year" and "Producer of the Year" (Johnny Wilson) for the song "Four O’clock in the Morning" which was recorded with very special guest vocalist the late Clifford Curry, who is considered a legend in R&B/Soul Music. Both “Cherry Groove” and “Four O’clock” were included on the group's second album which was released in 2015 on Fine Groove Records. The new album included another hit single called "Carolina Fine".  At this point, the group was simply known as BigTime. This hard working and hard playing band was awarded the title of Best Band of 2016 by Grand Strand Happening Magazine’s readers’ poll. Since 2006, BigTime enjoyed eight songs achieving Top 10 status on several charts in the Carolinas and Virginia with three of them reaching the number one position... including their single, "Fannie Brown Got Married", released prior to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019. 

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BigTime played its last show of 2020 on Feb 15th.  Nobody knew that the band would be forever changed soon thereafter as the Covid-19 pandemic was just around the corner. The group navigated through rest of 2020 as best they could. Some great recording sessions took place that will soon see the light of day but, as the pandemic moved into 2021 and created more uncertainty about the future of BigTime, some members moved on to other projects while others weathered the storm hoping for the right time for BigTime to reemerge. The year 2022 is that time.

 

John Wilson focused very hard on his faith throughout 2020 and 2021 and struggled with how to incorporate this into the future of BigTime.  He decided that the band would rise again but under a slightly new name. The band is now known as BigTime Shine.  Drummer Randall Dowdy weathered the Covid storm with Wilson and is locked into his invaluable position along with long-time guitarist Todd Arrington who returned following a 4-year hiatus.  Brian Pearl, who is an old acquaintance of Wilson's, joined on bass guitar and Darell Dowdy, Randall's brother, was brought in as keyboardist. Guitarist Tom Janyssek joined the band in the Fall of 2022.  

 

BigTime Shine brings their individual talents together musically to shine their collective light into the world with God as their driving force. They have a solid reputation behind them of being known for exciting and pleasing performances. They are dedicated to pushing themselves to be at the forefront of the live music industry in their region by providing their audiences with enjoyable and recognizable songs as well as some great original compositions.  This breakout performing and recording group had solidified its position as one of the most requested in The Carolinas and Virginia. They will continue that trend moving forward. With six active performers, BigTime Shine displays musical talent and vocal range many other bands cannot easily match.  

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Awards

2016 - Award Winner for "Best Band" by Grand Strand Happening Magazine's voters poll
2013 - CBMA Nominee - "Producer of the Year" (Johnny Wilson for "Four O'Clock In The Morning")
2013 - CBMA Nominee - "Best Collaboration" ("Four O'Clock In The Morning" w/ Clifford Curry)
2012 - CBMA Nominee - "Songwriter(s) of the Year" (John L. Wilson & Barry Briggs for the song "Cherry Groove")
2009 - CBMA Nominee - "Best New Act"

 

Top 10 Singles

Fannie Brown Got Married (#1 - 2019)

Carolina Fine (#6 - 2015)

I Loved Them All (#8 - 2014)

Four O’clock In The Morning (w/ Clifford Curry) (#4 - 2014)

Cherry Groove (#3 - 2012)

Oh, What A Feeling (#6 - 2009)

Do Ya Like (feat. Tiff Wheeler Hancock) (#2 - 2008)

Drink Up (#1 - 2006)