The latest episode features Alyson Williams discussing her illustrious recording career, upcoming projects, women rappers, and much more.
In the late 80s, the Harlem singer became the first female R&B artist signed to the groundbreaking Def Jam rap label. Alyson’s first album, "Raw," garnered several top 5 singles, including slow jam favorite “Just Call My Name.” The album went on to spend over a year on the Billboard charts, met only by Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.”
After leaving Def Jam, the daughter of trumpeter and bandleader Bobby Booker, moved to Columbia records (now Sony) and released her second album. The self-titled release nabbed two top ten hits – “Just My Luck” and “Can’t Have My Man.”
Alyson would go on to release two more albums – in 2004 and 2010.
Before success as a solo artist, she sang background for hitmakers including Melba Moore, Evelyn Champagne King, and Kurtis Blow. Yep, that was Alyson singing the hook on classic Kurtis Blow rap tracks – "Basketball" and "If I Ruled the World."
In addition to a recording career, Alyson enjoyed acting and singing in musical reviews and stage plays both on and off Broadway in shows including “One Mo Time” and the “25th Anniversary Revival of the Wiz." She worked with actors/and singers Lynn Whitfield, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Carl Payne, The Whispers, and Eddie Levert of The O'Jays.
Currently, Alyson has a lot on her plate – working on a new jazz album, an upcoming virtual show honoring her friend and gone-too-soon singer Phyliss Hyman (click here for ticket information), and a radio show on WHCR in New York.
Additional Links:
Instagram: @alysonwilliamsmusic (https://www.instagram.com/alysonwilliamsmusic/)
I Love My Artist Foundation: https://www.ilovemyartistfoundation.org/
Music:
"Jazz Addict’s Intro" by Cosimo Fogg
(https://soundcloud.com/cosimo-fogg)
“Breaking Down” by Groove Bakery | https://groovebakery.com
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“Day Ahead” by Joe Crotty | https://soundcloud.com/joecrotty
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