ArtistInfo

Alyson Williams

voc, bvoc, *1962 US
Singer / Musician of R&B/Soul

American R&B singer, born May 11, 1962 in New York City. Born and raised in Harlem, daughter of noted Jazz trumpeter and bandleader Bobby Booker, Alyson first demonstrated her stage talents at the age of four. She studied dance under the tutelage of, Arthur Mitchell, of The Dance Theater of Harlem. She also studied with Alvin Ailey and numerous other dance companies, which in time would lead to a dance scholarship to Marymount College. She also attended City University of New York, where she was a member of the Aaron Davis Center for the Performing Arts program, and studied under John Lewis, of the Modern Jazz Quartet. While studying, Alyson’s path of success was paved with an internship with the world famous The Commodores. As well as, singing background in the studio with such well-known artists as Melba Moore, Evelyn King and Kurtis Blow just to name a few. Alyson was an in-demand studio session singer and also a featured member of the 80’s vocal group [High Fashion] on Capital Records. Alyson was introduced to Russell Simmons by Kurtis Blow and was signed on Russell’s, groundbreaking Def Jam label, as his first female R&B artist. While signed to Def Jam Columbia/Sony Records, she recorded two albums on the OBR (Original Black Records) label. Her first album titled “Raw” spent an impressive 67 weeks on the Billboard charts, matched only by Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” in weeks charted and going gold in the UK. The album produced four top five singles, one of which is the sultry and ever popular hit, “Just Call My Name”. Her second album, self- titled, featured songs produced by Al B. Sure and Babyface and also boasted several chart topping singles. Although still signed to Def Jam, Alyson continued to explore her many other talents. She starred in more than a dozen musical stage plays that toured across the country. Alyson has also appeared on Broadway in “Rollin on the TOBA”, “One Mo Time” and the “25th Anniversary Revival of the Wiz” directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner, George Faison. A consummate performer, her comedic talents landed her a gig at the country’s most renowned comedy club, Caroline’s as well as the starring role of “Power Woman” in ”Menopause the Musical”. Never one to let grass grow under her feet, Alyson left Def Jam and began to collaborate with award winning producer, Marcus Johnson. Together they produced Alyson’s third solo album titled, “It’s About Time”. Alyson has appeared on Soul Train, The Jay Leno Show, BET on Jazz and most recently the Mo’nique Show. Alyson and her band are a favorite of the Royal King of Morocco and have had the honor of performing at five New Year’s Eve Galas and six Royal birthday celebrations for His Majesty Hassan II. The culmination was an invitation to perform at the private inaugural fete of His Majesty Mohamad VI. Respected and admired by industry royalty and her peers, Alyson is often invited to share the stage with Nancy Wilson, Chaka Khan, Ashford & Simpson, Dr. Maya Angelou, Christian McBride, Ledisi, Lalah Hathaway and Freddie Jackson.

Instruments

• Vocals
• Backing Vocals
• Trumpet

Genres

• R&B/Soul
• Hip-Hop/Rap
• Electronic
• Dance
• Pop

Plays With