Will Wesley
- Caitlen Odell
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
From sneaking into Baton Rouge blues clubs as a teenager to touring internationally, Will Wesley has stayed anchored to the working-class roots that taught him music could be medicine. With a sound honoring both blues legends and country storytellers, and a commitment to giving back through veterans' events and community outreach, Wesley represents the soul of Louisiana music: raw, honest, and deeply connected to home.
Caitlen: Where did your story as a musician begin, and how has it developed over time?
Will: My story began in the streets of Baker, LA. I was a product of a working class family. Every evening, my father would come home from brutally hard days of work, and hIs escape was listening to records of Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Doc Watson, BB King, and Elmore James. He would also play his Guitar along with these records. It wasn't long before he started teaching me how to play. My understanding that music is therapy...grew from there.
Caitlen: You started performing at a young age in Baton Rouge, sneaking into bars with your guitar. How did those early experiences shape your musical identity and storytelling style?
Will: Baton Rouge is full of extremely talented musicians. I had the blessing of playing behind alot of these musicians. Such as, Smokehouse Porter and the Gut Bucket Blues Band, Susan Owens, T Bone Singleton, Sundance, Oscar "Harpo" Davis, Side Effects Band, and the list goes on. I jammed with these musicians at Blues Jams held at Phil Brady's, Teddy's Juke Joint, Slippery Pete's, the Classic Buddy Stewart's Rock Shop, and numerous nightclubs throughout Gonzales and surrounding areas. I owe my career to these people and places. They taught me that the songs aren't just songs, yet a reflection of life itself.
Caitlen: Your sound has evolved from blues to country rock and Americana. How have your personal experiences, including loss and hardship, influenced that evolution?
Will: To be totally honest, hardship has definitely influenced my songwriting, but my evolution from Blues to Country Rock and Americana is more going back to my roots. I was raised on both, and my heart will always be in those styles of music.
Caitlen: You've toured internationally, but you keep returning home. What does the local Louisiana music scene mean to you?
Will: I have fond memories of Louisiana. I'm a Louisiana native, and my family is from here. I've seen alot of wonderful things and I've played for some amazing crowds. Louisiana has shaped and molded me into an artist that's capable of playing for these crowds. No matter where I go, I'll always come home.
Caitlen: Alongside your career, you give back through Veterans’ events and outreach programs. Why is connecting with your community and using music to help others important to you?
Will: I'm a Christian at heart. I believe that the talent God gave me is meant for giving back. It warms my heart to connect with the community in this way. I believe that if done right, music heals and saves people. I lived a rather rough life at times, and this is my hope for redemption.
Will Wesley's journey from Baker's streets to stages worldwide proves that authenticity endures. His evolution from blues to country rock isn't a departure from his roots, it's a return to them. And his commitment to using music as a force for healing reflects everything Louisiana music stands for. Will plays this Saturday January 17th, 2026 at Riverbend Terrace II at L'Auberge.
Follow him on Instagram at instagram.com/willwesleymusic to stay updated on his latest shows and music.
Written by Caitlen Odell
Founder & Owner, Red Stick Music
Caitlen curates the Red Stick Music live music calendar with a focus on excellence, integrity, and community building. She’s passionate about supporting local artists and strengthening Baton Rouge through music.
