Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, Wilson began playing saxophone at age 11, and led his own trio while still in high school.
He attended North Texas State University and spent much of his career in various big band ensembles.
He played with Tito Puente in 1980–81, Gerry Mulligan from 1981 to 1989, Bob Wilber (1983), Loren Schoenberg (1984), Benny Goodman's last ensemble (1985–86), Buck Clayton (1986–90), and Walt Levinsky.
He led his own group, Chuck Wilson and Friends, from 1996, which included Murray Wall, Alden, and Joel Helleny as sidemen.
[1] With Howard Alden & Dan Barrett With Bob Belden With Buddy Rich With Loren Schoenberg With Bobby Short With others