Rita Wilson releases ‘I Wanna Kiss Bob Dylan’

Wilson co-wrote the song in quarantine

Rita Wilson has shared her latest introspective single, “I Wanna Kiss Bob Dylan.” The reflective track was co-written by Rita during quarantine with critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Caitlyn Smith (Megan Trainor, Garth Brooks) and GRAMMY/Brit/Mercury Prize-nominated Jennifer Decilveo, and co-produced by Rita and multi-GRAMMY Award-winner Chad Carlson. Wilson who is also an avid artist, brought her creative vision to life further with her striking painting that appears on the single cover art.

With crisp production and rootsy arrangements featuring warm acoustic guitar and harmonica, the song sees Wilson further diving into her own signature pop/country sound. Expanding on her talents as a singer/songwriter, the concept for the track came about in a spontaneous and organic way.

“I was going deep into Bob Dylan’s album Time Out Of Mind,” Wilson explains. “I was struck by what seemed to be the aftermath of a relationship that didn’t work out for him. He was so vulnerable and put himself out there. This is the album that gave us ‘Make You Feel My Love,’ as an example of his defenselessness. It got me thinking that when we are moved by music you fall in love with the person in the song. The person that is allowing you to see him or her. That doesn’t mean you’re necessarily falling in love with the actual person. And this thought that I wanted to kiss Bob Dylan came pouring out of me in a stream of consciousness, of wanting to kiss the illusion of what an artist creates, to kiss the soul of that person who lives in the ether somewhere between reality and inside our minds.”

Despite its challenges, 2020 has been a richly prolific period for Wilson with all-things music. She is featured on “PINK” – a new single released to support the fight against breast cancer. The song features Dolly Parton, Monica, Jordin Sparks, Sara Evans and Wilson, and is a special collaboration benefiting Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization. Wilson returned to the Grand Ole Opry on October 24th to perform the song live at their annual Opry Goes Pink event.

Additional recent releases include, “What I Would Say,” co-written by Rita and GRAMMY Award-winning team of Jesse Frasure (Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan) and Shane McAnally (Kacey Musgraves, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban) and addresses dealing with a loved one who is afflicted by addiction. “Where’s My Country Song?” is a moving tribute to women everywhere, especially essential workers on the front lines. HuffPost noted it’s “a track about women that feels particularly poignant right now.” Her stirring ballad “Everybody Cries,” from the film The Outpost is generating Oscar buzz, mentioned in Variety’s Oscar predictions here. Co-written by Wilson, director Rod Lurie, and Larry Groupé, American Songwriter called it “beautiful” and “understated.”

In March of 2019, Wilson received a Star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame in honor of her rich film career. A celebrated actress, film producer, and philanthropist, her first love is music. With four studio albums under her belt she has toured the world over performing on such iconic stages as The Sydney Opera House and Walt Disney Concert Hall and coveted music festivals including Stagecoach and CMA Fest. She’s currently featured in the November issue of O The Oprah Magazine, and graced the pages of People Magazine’s Kindness issue. Wilson also recently performed as part of Gibson’s/Women Who Rock virtual concert series and performs on American Valor: We Stand Together, the annual Emmy-winning Veterans Day TV special.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn