Cole Williams

Biography

Cole Williams is a Brooklyn-born Jamaican-American singer, songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, and radio presenter whose career bridges genres and cultures[1][2][8]. Her early life was steeped in music, from classical piano recitals at Carnegie Hall to singing in her church choir, and she later studied classical voice at New Jersey City University[1]. Williams' upbringing was shaped by her parents' diverse record collection and her Caribbean heritage, which instilled in her a love for blending musical styles and a commitment to social justice through her art[2].

Williams' professional journey began in Europe, where she performed her own music and worked as a background singer for Grammy-winning African superstar Somi and American pop artist Aloe Blacc[2]. In 2015, she relocated to New Orleans, drawn by the city's unique fusion of African, European, and Caribbean influences, and quickly established herself as a vital force in its music scene. Her work spans funk, world, R&B, reggae, and soul, and she is recognized as a "Soul Queen of New Orleans," joining the ranks of legends like Irma Thomas and Betty Harris[2]. Williams is also a noted community leader, founding the Greater New Orleans Citizens Relief Team and advocating for the houseless population.

Her career highlights include international recognition for her single "A Better Woman," which garnered over half a million streams on Spotify and won the 2024 International Songwriting Competition[2][6]. Williams has performed at major festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival, and she has collaborated with numerous New Orleans icons. Her legacy is defined by her innovative musical style, her dedication to social change, and her role as a mentor and advocate for artists' rights[2][3][7].

Fun Facts

• Cole Williams played all the instruments, wrote all the songs, and engineered her album 'How We Care For Humanity' herself in her home studio[2].
• She is a Press Club New Orleans Award-winning radio host for her program on WWOZ in 2024[2].
• Williams has acted in TV shows such as NCIS New Orleans and Big Freedia Means Business, and in movies like 'Sinners' and 'People We Meet On Vacation'[2].
• She is the founder of the Greater New Orleans Citizens Relief Team, a community organization focused on advocacy for the houseless population[2].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Curtis Muhammad - Civil Rights leader and founding member of SNCC; mentored Williams in Freedom Movement strategies and social justice advocacy. (Mentorship shaped the themes and activism in her album 'How We Care For Humanity'.) [Until his death (2022)]
• Ella Baker - Indirect influence through Curtis Muhammad; Baker's legacy inspired Williams' activism and music. (Album 'How We Care For Humanity' is a tribute to Baker's legacy.) [Ongoing influence]

Key Collaborators

• Somi - Background vocalist for Grammy-winning African superstar. (Live performances and studio recordings.) [Early career (pre-2015)]
• Aloe Blacc - Background vocalist for American pop artist. (Live performances and studio recordings.) [Early career (pre-2015)]
• Walter 'Wolfman' Washington - New Orleans blues and funk legend; stage collaborations. (Live performances in New Orleans.) [2015–present]
• Bill Summers - Percussionist and jazz musician; creative alliances. (Live and studio collaborations.) [2015–present]
• Al 'Carnival Time' Johnson - New Orleans R&B icon; musical collaborations. (Live performances.) [2015–present]
• Cyril Neville - Funk and soul legend; collaborations in New Orleans music scene. (Live performances.) [2015–present]

Artists Influenced

• Greater New Orleans music community - Advocacy for artists' rights, education on music business, and mentorship through radio and community work. (WWOZ radio program, Ella Project workshops.) [2015–present]

External Links

• Spotify