Sunday, July 11th: The Alyson Williams Experience
The Velvet Note Main Stage 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, United StatesEntrepreneur, philanthropist and radio host, are just a few of the hats renowned Harlem raisedrecording artist Alyson Williams wears. With a voice so hauntingly pure, Alyson is able totransport you to your very own utopia while effortlessly showcasing she really can do it all. Growing up, Alyson was surrounded by and exposed to great music. Her father, celebratedJazz trumpeter and bandleader, Bobby Booker was a major influence in her life. With a passionfor performing, Alyson was inspired to study dance. Alyson first attended Marymount ManhattanCollege and later, City University of New York. Before she knew it, she became a featuredmember of the 80's vocal group "High Fashion" on Capital Records. Following her path of success, Alyson instantly grabbed the attention of Def Jam labelCEO, Russell Simmons and became the first female R&B artist to sign with the label. Alysonrecorded two albums on Columbia Record's Original Black Records label. Her first album,"Raw" spent an impressive 67 weeks on the Billboard charts, matched only by Madonna's "Likea Prayer" and went gold in the UK. Altogether, the album produced four top five singles, oneof which is the ever popular hit, "Just Call My Name." Next, Alyson pursued Broadway andstarred in "Rollin on the TOBA," "One Mo Time" and the "25th Anniversary Revival of the Wiz"directed and choreographed by George Fashion. After leaving Def Jam, Alyson collaborated with Marcus Johnson and together they producedAlyson's third solo album, "It's About Time." Soon after, she launched her productioncompany, A.W.P, A Woman's Prerogative. Alyson has most recently become an on-air radiopersonality on WHCR 90.3 FM The Voice of Harlem and has featured stand-out musicalguests. Alyson had the honor of being mentored by the late Dr. Maya Angelou. Following Dr.Angelou's death, Alyson was asked to perform at memorials that were given in her honor.Alyson was also invited by the United States Postal Service to perform The National Anthemand The Black National Anthem with the National Color Guard as a "Forever Stamp" wasdedicated to Dr. Angelou. Alyson has caught the attention of several other dignitaries and celebrities including FirstLady Michelle Obama, as well as Ms. Oprah Winfrey. Alyson was hand-picked by Ms. Winfrey toperform for her students visiting from Africa on their United States college tour. Other pasticonic appearances include, Soul Train, The Jay Leno Show, BET on Jazz and the Mo'niqueShow. Alyson has also appeared in Fox Searchlight Pictures, "Black Nativity" starring alongside Academy Award-winning actors Forest […]
