Official Biography (courtesy of Colie Williams)
Every so often a light shines into the darkness of musical mediocrity and from the shadows emerges a fresh new artist with a gift that brings illumination and perspective to their listeners.
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Colette Williams (affectionately known to her friends as Colie) took the stage after her junior high school teacher recognized her vocal talent. She encouraged Colie to attend Music & Arts High School in Harlem where she majored in vocal studies. After graduation, Colie continued her studies at Syracuse University where she participated in their musical theatre program. Although an education major, performing piqued Williams’ inherent love for music and provided her with a restorative experience that she would be unable to deny.
Miss Williams Goes to Washington
Colie’s devotion to music and theatre led her to Washington, D.C. There she began touring and performing with various professional theatre productions, most notably, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. After concluding her theatre work, Colie turned her focus to developing her own distinctive sound. "I’ve always felt a strong connection to legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Roberta Flack and Sade." Spirited by the influence of these legendary greats, Colie began honing a melodious style all her own.
Holistic Soul
With an established vision for her sound and a new band, Colie Williams featuring Soul For A New Day, naturally complement each other with seamless precision during their performances of timeless covers and enticing originals. Though often compared to songstresses like Jill Scott and Teena Marie, Colie’s musical style uniquely blends sounds of sultry jazz and classic R&B with therapeutic elements that speak to the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of her listeners. This singer/songwriter creates music to lift, inspire and share her truth. Colie’s performances intentionally set out to create intimate landscapes where she connects and shares her vision with the audience.
Since arriving to the District, Colie continues to gain popularity by frequently appearing in famous U Street corridor venues that include, Bus Boys and Poets, The Islander, and Jo-Jo’s. Colie’s audiences frequently request her original material during her performances. Melodic originals such as "Angel" and "All You Need" embody a balance of spirit, melody and rhythms. Co-written with producers The Crank Bros., her style fuses Go-Go, Latin, Classic R&B and Jazz to create a breath of fresh air to the urban adult contemporary music scene.
As Williams reaches back to call upon the classic styles of Ella, Sarah and Billy to inspire her music, her message reaches forward towards today’s audiences.