Wilson had been a regular contributor on the syndicated radio show ''Bob & Tom Show'' since 1995, a Bob & Tom tribute page said.
"It is a very difficult day, and we couldn't be more saddened by the passing of a comedy legend. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim's loved ones," the show's page said.
The radio show said Wilson died of an apparent heart attack Wednesday night. Wilson's manager and close friend, Chris Dipetta, also confirmed the death. The tribute page says Bob and Tom learned of his death from a club owner, Wilson was scheduled to appear at a Birmingham, Alabama, comedy club this weekend.
Wilson, a Georgia native, originally hoped to be a country singer, but transitioned to comedy when his demo tape was rejected. He appeared on the "Tonight Show with Jay Leno" early in his comedy career.
His earliest LPs included "Tough Crowd," "Waking Up the Neighborhood," "Low-Class Love Affair," and "Tuned Up." Wilson had one popular single early with "Garth Brooks Ruined My Life." He also co-wrote Jeff Foxworthy's holiday hit "The Redneck Twelve Days of Christmas." He released the first four of his dozen albums on small label Southern Tracks. He then signed to major label Capitol, and released "It's a Sorry World," in early 1999; "Gettin' My Mind Right" followed later that same year. In 2000, he released "Hillbilly Homeboy," which was helped by the success of its first single, "The Ballad of John Rocker," and waited three years to follow it up with his first funk concept album, "Super Bad Sounds of the '70s." Wilson's final album "Caffeine Wired, Nervous & Pale" was released in 2013.
Larry the Cable Guy tweeted condolences to Wilson's wife and children, saying to Wilson's fans, "I hope you were one of the lucky ones that got to see him preform."
"Heartbroken over the loss of Tim Wilson. Grateful for the laughs and arguments we had," Chicago comedian Patti Vasquez tweeted. "Truly one of the greatest comedians to grace the stage. Good night Mr. Wilson."
Fellow comedian Ron White tweeted details of Wilson's death, saying, "he was with his brother. I cannot tell you how much he will be missed in the comedy community. He died on the 20th anniversary of the death of Bill Hicks."
