An In Depth Interview with Billie Williams
A professional vocalist since her teens, Billie Williams has a rich repertoire that includes blues, rock, soul, jazz, and country.
Ms. Williams is a native of the Boston area where, at age 16, she co-founded the country swing band Columbus East. She went on to sing with the rock band Mezz and 8-piece R&B band City Edition. During her years with City Edition she shared the stage with R&B legends Wilson Pickett and Sam & Dave. The Boston Globe called Billie’s performance with City Edition “…riveting…she sang of joy and heartache with equal conviction.”
When Billie arrived in New York City she landed a gig as lead vocalist with blues band The Lenny Nelson Project. After time off to raise her daughter, Billie returned to performing in 2009 with the show Sentimental Journeys appearing with actress/singer Jean Tafler and vocalist Tracy Toler.
Billie Williams’ 2012 show Fade to Blues at The Metropolitan Room earned her the nomination for BEST FEMALE DEBUT ARTIST in theBroadwayWorld.com 2012 Cabaret Awards.
In 2013, Billie Williams’ show The Sound of Blue at Iridium Jazz Club received critical praise from Woman Around Town – “…in full blues mode – pithy, powerful, and sure of the terrain. Billie Williams is an emotionally resonant vocalist. She GIVES a performance.”
At her Joe’s Pub concert in May 2014, Billie celebrated the release of her first original single “Lonely Night in Harlem,” inspired by life in her long-time Harlem neighborhood. Billie was also featured singing her new single in the short film” Triangle,” and appeared in the musical “Your Name on My Lips” at the Midtown International Theatre Festival in July 2014. Her original single “I Can Read The Signs” was released in December 2014.” Billie Williams was inducted into THE NEW YORK BLUES HALL OF FAME at the Iridium Jazz Club on March 15, 2015.
Billie’s self-titled debut album featuring 8 of her original songs will be released in May 2016. She will celebrate with a Record Release Party at The Bitter End on May 18, 2016 with Special Guest Eric Redd.
