(June 25, 2021 - New York, NY) Blues-rock powerhouse Billie Williams announces the release of her new single “Thief In The Night”, channeling the raw emotions of love, telling of her feelings about a suitor's subtle yet persistent attempts to woo her. Backed by a killer band, this arrangement is packed with searing lead guitar, dirty organ fills and a hard-hitting rhythm section, all of which serve to evoke classic rock and blues sounds while remaining fresh and relevant in today's musical landscape. Available June 25, 2021 on all platforms. Listen: smarturl.it/BillieWilliams_Thief
A professional vocalist since her teens, Billie Williams has a rich repertoire that includes blues, rock, soul, jazz, and country. Ms. Williams is a native of the Boston area where, at age 16, she co-founded the country swing band Columbus East. She went on to sing with the rock band Mezz and 8-piece R&B band City Edition. During her years with City Edition she shared the stage with R&B legends Wilson Pickett and Sam & Dave. The Boston Globe called Billie’s performance with City Edition “Riveting…she sang of joy and heartache with equal conviction.”
When Billie arrived in New York City she landed a gig as lead vocalist with blues band The Lenny Nelson Project. After time off to raise her daughter, Billie returned to performing in 2009 with the show Sentimental Journeys appearing with actress/singer Jean Tafler and vocalist Tracy Toler.
Billie Williams’ 2012 show Fade to Blues at The Metropolitan Room earned her the nomination for BEST FEMALE DEBUT ARTIST in the BroadwayWorld.com 2012 Cabaret Awards.
In 2013, Billie Williams’ show The Sound of Blue at Iridium Jazz Club received critical praise from Woman Around Town – “…in full blues mode – pithy, powerful, and sure of the terrain. Billie Williams is an emotionally resonant vocalist. She GIVES a performance.”
At her Joe’s Pub concert in May 2014, Billie celebrated the release of her first original single "Lonely Night in Harlem," inspired by life in her long-time Harlem neighborhood. Billie was also featured singing her new single in the short film" Triangle," and appeared in the musical "Your Name on My Lips" at the Midtown International Theatre Festival in July 2014. Her original single "I Can Read The Signs" was released in December 2014." Billie Williams was inducted into THE NEW YORK BLUES HALL OF FAME at the Iridium Jazz Club on March 15, 2015.
Billie's self-titled debut album featuring 8 of her original songs was released in May 2016. Since its release, the album has been receiving air-play from public and independent radio stations worldwide.
In January 2017, Billie participated in The Women’s March on Washington. At the March, she was interviewed by the BBC, connecting her to women who were participating all around the globe. This inspiring experience culminated in the January 2019 release of her powerful feminist anthem “Ten Million Sisters” which was featured in a get-out-the-vote video receiving thousands of views.
Her most recent album, Hell To Pay - her second with Grammy-winning producer Danny Blume - was released on July 19, 2019 to worldwide critical praise. DJs all over the globe have embraced Hell To Pay, giving airplay and accolades to all eleven tracks.
Praise for Hell To Pay
“Lots of white chicks singing the blues these days but few do it as forcefully as Billie Williams. Hell To Pay... is fire and brimstone blues that will kick down doors”
“Skillful writing, strong vocals, and world-class musicians make Billie Williams’ Hell To Pay a record that will leave a lasting impression across the musical spectrum.”
“Oooh …Ooooh and thrice OOOH!...I am totally smitten with New Yorker Billie Williams and her gritty, emotional and Soulful take on The Blues.”
“The singer and her acolytes master intensity with a precision that denotes a whole range of emotions... Billie’s world is rich.”
“...She leaves everything on the table over the course of these eleven cuts that deal with love, despair, hope, and, in the end, eventual redemption.”
“Summer 2019 may have been a scorcher, but the real fire was New York Blues Hall of Fame Artist Billie Williams’ latest album.”
“Williams tantalizes with the basic and keeps hold with the au currant. Wild stuff for new times throughout.”
“...Billie Williams is an artist full of skill and passion. She is one to be aware of.”
“Billie Williams has one of those voices that was made for the blues. It is powerful. emotional, and the perfect vehicle to tell the stories.”
“This sizzling white girl with the blues…tantalizes with the basic and keeps hold with the au currant. Wild stuff for new times throughout.”
“There is no doubt that Billie Williams will surely conquer and intrigue you...impressive work”
“Hall of Fame artist burns it up on ‘Hell To Pay’...The sound is blues, turned inside out and brought back to its original glory”
“Hell To Pay…is fire and brimstone blues that will kick down doors when this drops July 19th.”
“...it is with a real pleasure that we will savor from end to end...’Hell To Pay,’ a real nugget of soul, blues and rhythm ‘n blues.”
New York Blues Hall of Fame Artist
Billie Williams
Drops New Album Hell To Pay
Summer 2019 may be a scorcher, but the real fire is Billie Williams’ new album Hell To Pay, coming July 19.
Williams’ powerful new record – her second with Grammy-winning producer Danny Blume –weaves the blues into her unique style of contemporary roots music.
On the heels of Billie’s self-titled debut album, which received critical praise and worldwide airplay, Hell To Pay offers a collection of eleven new originals that showcase Williams’ songwriting and vocal prowess. Billie draws inspiration from heartbreak with her hard-hitting opening track “Damn,” and from devotion with her classic-style soul tune “You.” Deeply affected by our troubling times, she also expresses her anger and concern in the feminist anthem “Ten Million Sisters,” and the title track “Hell To Pay,” which speak to the #metoo movement and the deepening socio-economic divide.
Skillful writing, strong vocals, and world-class musicians make Billie Williams’ Hell To Pay a record that will leave a lasting impression across the musical spectrum.
Listen to Billie’s music on Spotify, Apple Music, & CD Baby
“Billie Williams will be inducted into the New York Blues Hall of Fame on Sunday March 15th @ the Iridium in NYC…CONGRATULATIONS BILLIE! Well deserved!”
“One listen to the eight tracks on this self-titled release will quickly prove that Billie Williams has the voice and training to sing anything.”
“…Williams can confidently convey the full range of the emotional landscape…”
“…Williams sounding as sweet as honey.”
“…the power and concise phrasing that Williams utilizes allow her to dive deep into the emotional well on every track. Definitely one worth checking out.”
“…a withering Williams performance.”
“Riveting...she sang of joy and heartache with equal conviction.”
“...in full blues mode – pithy, powerful, and sure of the terrain...Billie Williams is an emotionally resonant vocalist. She GIVES a performance.”