My friend, Alyson Williams, is an incredibly talented entertainer who knows how to captivate an audience. I had the pleasure of seeing this Emmy Award winner live at Ashford and Simpson’s Sugar Bar on Valentine’s Day, where she performed with Nat Adderley Jr. Her stage presence was absolutely dazzling. She had everyone in the room mesmerized by her music and stories. 

In an interview with Perspectives on BronxNet, Alyson said, “There is still an audience that looks to me for what I bring to the table. I have to find new and creative ways to reinvent myself, make it good, and keep it steeped in elegance.” 

With a lifetime of experience in the music industry, Alyson has dedicated herself to making people smile through her music. She comes from a musical family, with her father being the bandleader Bobby Booker. She began performing at a young age, showcasing her singing and dancing skills. After college, she became a well-known backing vocalist for  Melba Moore, Bobby Brown, and Evelyn Champagne King. She was also part of the singing group High Fashion. 

Her work on several early hip-hop songs helped her make a name for herself in the music business, leading to her signing by the Def Jam label’s Russell Simmons in the late 80s. Her sultry signature song, “Just Call My Name,” and success earned her the title of “The First Lady of Def Jam.” Alyson Williams’ soulful delivery of “Just Call My Name” struck a chord with listeners, contributing to its instant success. Its meaningful lyrics and heartfelt delivery make it a powerful expression of love, support, and the universal human yearning for emotional connection.

Recently, Alyson teamed up with Najee for a beautiful rendition of “Valentine Love,” which topped the charts. The song is a true work of art; everything about it feels just right. In addition to her music career, Alyson is an on-air personality on Harlem’s WHCR-FM, where she hosts the popular show “Love Notes with Alyson Williams.” In an interview on Dreamers Unite with Sherri Pullum, she said her favorite singer is Ella Fitzgerald. Dr. Maya Angelou called her ‘the songbird.’

Her talent and charisma shine through in everything she does, making her a true icon in the music world. She said, “Every day is a day at the school of hard knocks. You get another lesson in making it work, keeping the balls in the air, juggling, and still keeping your sanity.”

Her advice about saying healthy is straightforward, “just try.”