(October 12, 2021) Anytime modern-day artists draw a comparison to legends of the past, that lets you know immediately that there’s something special about their artistry.
That is the case with Dana Williams, an LA-based singer-songwriter who’s been called a “modern-day Ella Fitzgerald” by InStyle. (Vocally, she can also be described as a cross between Corinne Bailey Rae and Amy Winehouse.) Dana – who was introduced to Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday in her younger years – comes from a musical family. Her grandmother was a jazz singer, and her father – the late David Williams – was a popular guitarist who worked with the likes of Aretha Franklin, The Pointer Sisters, and Michael Jackson.
As for Dana, she has been active on the music scene since 2012 but rose to national prominence in the summer of 2014 when she participated in the singing competition series Rising Star, finishing in fourth place. That same year, she posted a duet cover of “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, which has become her best-known video cover on YouTube, having received more than 10 million views to date.
Dana is described as a vocalist who “captivates listeners with her enchanting vocals and dreamy guitar,” while effortlessly mixing the genres of jazz, folk, and soul. Those elements come to the forefront on her latest single, “Let Me,” which is our newest First Listen. The song – which Dana co-wrote – is a contemplative ballad wherein she poses this piercing question to her love interest, ‘Are you gonna let me down?’
You can watch the video for “Let Me” below and tell us what you think.
By Darnea N. Samuels
Dana Williams – “Let Me”
