Alyson Williams
Rhythm, Blues, & Jazz
~Vocalist ~
~Vocalist ~
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa Style Magazine Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Rodney@copastyle.com
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Copa: Where are you from?
Alyson: I was born and raised in Harlem N.Y.C. Uptown U.S.A. Copa: What schools or special instruction have you received?
Alyson: I never had the chance to attend a performing arts school but I received top notch training in the best facilities in the New York Tri-State area. I was a scholarship student with The Dance Theater Of Harlem, studied with Alvin Ailey and many other dance company’s. A am a graduate of The Institute Of New Cinema Artists,The Aaron Davis Center For Performing Arts At City College and I was awarded a full scholarship to Marymount Manhattan College - Double major : Dance and Communications. To date my career has been and continues to be my best education.  Shirley Marcella Williams, (Alyson's Mother)
Copa: Have you been encouraged to play any instruments, if so which ones's?
Alyson: My father was a trumpet player and bandleader ( Bobby Booker) and my mother a former singer, dancer, actress (Shirley Marcella Williams) . My mother didn’t approve of me playing the trumpet ( a choice she later regretted for a lifetime) so they switched me to the piano. I love all things percussion. I am currently getting back to my piano and pursuing the guitar and the flute. Who did you sing background for and how did you enjoy the experience?
Alyson: Many people may not know but I am the original “Hook Girl” I sang, co-arranged and contracted many of the classic songs that are the foundation of what we now call Hip-Hop. Kurtis Blow’s “Basketball” “If I Ruled The World” The Fat Boys and many many more. These performances led me to a plethora of vocal artists Melba Moore, Bobby Brown,Evelyn “Champagne” King and then list goes on and on and on. I can honestly say that every experience that I had in the studio was fabulous! Each experience let to another one. |
Copa: At what time did you discover your love for music?
Alyson: I have loved music ever since I was a baby. I came home from the hospital to a musical household. 
Bobby Booker, (Alyson's Father)
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Kurtis Blow
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The Fatboys
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Melba Moore
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Bobby Brown
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Evelyn King
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Copa: How many musical styles have you sung?
Alyson: I have had the privilege of singing many musical genres. Jazz, R&B, Blues, Gospel, Pop and House music. The blessing is the ability to sing them authentically.
Alyson: I have had the privilege of singing many musical genres. Jazz, R&B, Blues, Gospel, Pop and House music. The blessing is the ability to sing them authentically.
At what time did you develop your solo career?
Alyson: I began developing my solo career in 1977 at the age of 16 In 1982 I was given the opportunity to sign with Capitol Records as a member of the vocal group High Fashion (Me’lisa Morgan and Eric McClinton). “Feelin" Lucky Lately” was our first single which I sang lead on. The song held numbers 1,12, and 20 on various Billboard charts. I recorded on the Profile Record’s Label from 1984 to 1985 and signed to the Def Jam Record Label in 1986 where I recorded 2 albums on the Columbia and Sony Record Labels. I stayed with Def Jam/Sony until 1994
Alyson: I began developing my solo career in 1977 at the age of 16 In 1982 I was given the opportunity to sign with Capitol Records as a member of the vocal group High Fashion (Me’lisa Morgan and Eric McClinton). “Feelin" Lucky Lately” was our first single which I sang lead on. The song held numbers 1,12, and 20 on various Billboard charts. I recorded on the Profile Record’s Label from 1984 to 1985 and signed to the Def Jam Record Label in 1986 where I recorded 2 albums on the Columbia and Sony Record Labels. I stayed with Def Jam/Sony until 1994
Copa: Who are your favorite 5 female vocalists?
Alyson: My top 5 female artists: Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and Dakota Staton ( I know this is 6 )
Alyson: My top 5 female artists: Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and Dakota Staton ( I know this is 6 )
Ella Fitzgerald
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Nancy Wilson
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Chaka Khan
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Aretha Franklin
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Gladys Knight
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Dakota Staton
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Copa: Do you have any great musical related stories to share with with our readers?
Alyson: Having traveled around the world and having been blessed, honored and privileged to share countless stages with so many great artists, I have a life time of awesome musical stories but in the name of time and space I’ll have to ask you to please be patient and wait for my book. I’m extremely proud of having been inducted into The Soul Music Hall Of Fame in 2020. I can say this, In the year 2020 the world was struck with a deadly virus that caused a global pandemic. In the midst of one of the worst crisis’ that the world has ever seen I was able to remain a creative. I made music. I sang. I created art. If you know anything about what the past year has been, then you know that’s a hell of a story. |
Copa: Please share some of your views on the production of your latest CD.
Alyson: I am in love with my latest project! "Summer Nights In Harlem" is a dream come true. The production is superb. I am proud and honored to have an amazing team of creative artists and technicians that have brought their “A” game and all of their love. As a co-producer I’ve been able to work with the best in the business on this project. Writer/Producer Maurice Lynch, Ray Chew, Christian McBride, Christian Sands, Ulysses Owens, Ron Blake Kirk Whalum, “King” Solomon Hicks, Gregg Sneed, Ty Stephens, and Dawn Tallman. I look forward to getting back into the studio to finish this soul fulfilling CD.
Alyson: I am in love with my latest project! "Summer Nights In Harlem" is a dream come true. The production is superb. I am proud and honored to have an amazing team of creative artists and technicians that have brought their “A” game and all of their love. As a co-producer I’ve been able to work with the best in the business on this project. Writer/Producer Maurice Lynch, Ray Chew, Christian McBride, Christian Sands, Ulysses Owens, Ron Blake Kirk Whalum, “King” Solomon Hicks, Gregg Sneed, Ty Stephens, and Dawn Tallman. I look forward to getting back into the studio to finish this soul fulfilling CD.
Copa: We understand that you will be judging a music competition, would you please share more of this for our readers?
Alyson: I am currently collaborating with my sister friend Cynthia Tyre . Cynthia is launching a new entertainment platform called The Front Staage Radio Show which will showcase music, all things entertainment, community and beyond . The show also has a featured segment called “Gurl Chat Corner” which gives a voice to women and women’s empowerment. Together we are celebrating the 30th year anniversary of my classic R&B hit single “Just Call My Name”. We are producing a virtual talent show over a 10 week period with a variety of celebrity judges culminating in an opportunity to participate in a musical collaboration with my brand A.W.P. A Woman’s Prerogative. The Front Staage Radio Show will air every Thursday starting February 25th 2021 from 7pm to 9pm. On WMEL Radio. To enter the contest go to www.Blackguideapp.com.
Alyson: I am currently collaborating with my sister friend Cynthia Tyre . Cynthia is launching a new entertainment platform called The Front Staage Radio Show which will showcase music, all things entertainment, community and beyond . The show also has a featured segment called “Gurl Chat Corner” which gives a voice to women and women’s empowerment. Together we are celebrating the 30th year anniversary of my classic R&B hit single “Just Call My Name”. We are producing a virtual talent show over a 10 week period with a variety of celebrity judges culminating in an opportunity to participate in a musical collaboration with my brand A.W.P. A Woman’s Prerogative. The Front Staage Radio Show will air every Thursday starting February 25th 2021 from 7pm to 9pm. On WMEL Radio. To enter the contest go to www.Blackguideapp.com.
Copa: What does the future hold for Alyson Williams.
Alyson: I look forward to the future, post - COVID. I will continue recording, producing and writing. I have a television show that is currently in production called “Life After Def The Gig the Grind” that can be found on CREW TV. I am still broadcasting my own radio show Love Notes with Alyson Williams In The Chill Zone which airs on Tuesday’s from 8pm to 10pm on WHCR 90.3 FM The Voice Of Harlem. Also streaming on WHCR.org. I am making the transition to film and television and hope to go back to the Broadway stage and to touring the country when that opportunity once again affords itself. I have several boutique brand products set to hit the market as well. I am proud to sit on several arts based boards “I Love My Artists Foundation”, “#We” and "Out At The Movies”.These organizations keep me constantly in search of ways to continue to be in service to my community and the world. I have so much to look forward to and so much to be grateful and thankful for. I thank God and keep an attitude of gratitude because the sky is not the limit…It’s the view! Lovin’ the life I live, Livin’ the life I love.
Thank you Rodney Branche and Copa Style Magazine Love & Light Peace & Blessings Miracles & Music And Above All Joy!
Alyson: I look forward to the future, post - COVID. I will continue recording, producing and writing. I have a television show that is currently in production called “Life After Def The Gig the Grind” that can be found on CREW TV. I am still broadcasting my own radio show Love Notes with Alyson Williams In The Chill Zone which airs on Tuesday’s from 8pm to 10pm on WHCR 90.3 FM The Voice Of Harlem. Also streaming on WHCR.org. I am making the transition to film and television and hope to go back to the Broadway stage and to touring the country when that opportunity once again affords itself. I have several boutique brand products set to hit the market as well. I am proud to sit on several arts based boards “I Love My Artists Foundation”, “#We” and "Out At The Movies”.These organizations keep me constantly in search of ways to continue to be in service to my community and the world. I have so much to look forward to and so much to be grateful and thankful for. I thank God and keep an attitude of gratitude because the sky is not the limit…It’s the view! Lovin’ the life I live, Livin’ the life I love.
Thank you Rodney Branche and Copa Style Magazine Love & Light Peace & Blessings Miracles & Music And Above All Joy!
For More Information on Alyson Williams:
www.alysonwilliamsmusic.com Facebook
AlysonWilliamsMusic InstaGram
#AlysonWilliamsMusic Twitter
@AlysonWilliams For Booking & Further Info: 631-604-8553
AlysonWilliamsMusic InstaGram
#AlysonWilliamsMusic Twitter
@AlysonWilliams For Booking & Further Info: 631-604-8553
