Rita Wilson On Writing Her Own Album: ‘It Was Revelatory’

Actress-turned-singer Rita Wilson is preparing for the release of a new album, and, although this will be her second album, it will be Rita’s first offering of original music. For her first album, she put together a collection of cover songs as a way of putting herself out there for the music-loving world. Now, her self-titled second album offers songs Wilson co-wrote with fellow songwriters, such as American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi, Dan Wilson, who has worked with Adele, and Taylor Swift’s own Nathan Chapman.

Rita Wilson Talks About Her Evolution As A Beginning Songwriter

Rita reveals that storytelling has always been a passion for her, but, even so, she says it was never her intention to write an entire album of original music. It started with one song and that was only a result of Kara DioGuardi expressing an interest in co-writing with her. Wilson says the American Idol judge brought Jason Reeves, another talented songwriter, in on the process.

One of the two songs written by the trio is “Grateful,” which Rita says made its way onto her new album.

Wilson was inspired by the experience, and recalling that Sugarland’s Kristian Bush once said he’d wanted to collaborate with her, the fledgling songwriter sought him out. It so happened that Bush was still interested, leading to a few more songs for Wilson’s album. Rita says she had 30 songs, before she realized it and it was then that she decided to put out a complete album of original music.

Rita says songwriting has been a learning experience for her in more ways than one. Ms. Wilson is ordinarily a very private person, but she says she only finds her voice in writing by opening up and being honest.

“We don’t want to bother people with our stuff. But at the same time, we’re all seeking connection to really have honest conversations and not be judged,” the 59-year-old singer/songwriter said. “So it was more than an outlet. It was revelatory. You can be surprised by some of the things that come up in the process.”

Rita Wilson Says She’s Grateful To Husband Tom Hanks For Helping Her Battle Cancer

Ms. Wilson had just returned to Broadway in Larry David’s A Fish in the Dark, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She took leave from the play, just long enough to receive a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. Rita was back to work after a month, and while that may make the ordeal sound less harrowing than it was, the “Grateful” singer says she couldn’t have gotten through it without the love and support of husband, Tom Hanks.

Rita says Tom helped her to heal with laughter, adding that levity has been an important part of their marriage. She adds that a commitment to family has helped Tom and herself keep it together.

“Part of it is that Tom and I weren’t babies when we met,” Wilson says. “And my parents infused in me a great sense of commitment, and the importance of family. Tom came from broken marriages on both sides of his family, and I think he was really seeking that. And we both want to be married; you make it work because you really want it to work.”

Rita will be leaving Tom to fend for himself when she heads out on tour to promote her self-titled album. The tour is set to begin on March 29.

Rita Wilson’s new album is scheduled for a Friday, March 11, release.

Ms. Wilson also hopes to return to Broadway sometime soon as well. She says she would like a starring role in a musical.

[Image by Matthew Eisman/Getty Images]