EXCLUSIVE

MUSIC IS MY LIFE, AND MY LIFE IS MUSIC Kenny Williams IS THE CONSUMMATE ENTERTAINER!

IT’S LIKELY YOU’VE SEEN KENNY WILLIAMS PERFORM. IN HIS ACCLAIMED 25-YEAR MUSICAL CAREER, HE’S LIT UP STAGES NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY, AND SPENT NEARLY A DECADE PERFORMING ON BROADWAY IN NEW YORK CITY. NOW AFTER RETURNING TO AUSTIN, TEXAS, WHERE HE WAS BORN AND RAISED, KENNY STEPS INTO HIS FAVORITE ROLES TO DATE AS A SOLO AND RECORDING ARTIST.

kINTERVIEW WRITTEN AND CONDUCTED BY WILLIAM JACKSON, ABA, B.ACY., MBA AND FOUNDER, CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER, AND PUBLISHER OF INFLUENTIAL MAGAZINE, SPANISH INFLUENTIAL, AND TEEN INFLUENTIAL

influential-magazine.com

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KIRK TUCK.

The Austin based artist is a tornado of talent and charisma, possessing an impressive vocal range and a light-from-within aura. Kenny studied voice at the University of Texas and cut his teeth as an actor and entertainer in clubs on the city’s famed 6th Street and at ZACH Theatre, Austin’s premiere professional theatre. In 1997 with his sights set on Broadway, Kenny left Austin to embark on his first national tour with the musical Grease! and then Smokey Joe’s Café. After two years on the road, he moved to the Big Apple. Kenny appeared in several regional productions, including Purlie for New York City Encores! and the world premiere production of The Color Purple:

The Musical, produced by Oprah Winfrey. He made his

Broadway debut in Disney’s hit musical The Lion King. Kenny also made numerous solo artist appearances at some of

New York City’s finest clubs, including Joe’s Pub, B.B. King’s,

S.O.B.’s, BAM Café, and the legendary jazz club, Birdland. Since returning to Austin, Kenny released his debut

EP, Kenny Williams Sings. It boasts six classics from the

American Songbook and a sexy version of the Van

Morrison classic, Moondance. His experience as an acclaimed Broadway performer and solo artist merge on this elegant project. While theatre is still a prominent part of his life, he’s most often found on musical stages around Austin. Kenny Williams was born to entertain, and his star shines brightly. He’s a truly gifted vocalist and his spirit, energy, and passion will bring you back for more.

The song lives on in Kenny Williams. Join us as we share our engaging conversation. Hopefully, you’ll come away with a greater understanding of why I believe Kenny

Williams is a tremendously talented singer and worthy of every accolade he’s received and has yet to receive.

William Jackson: Kenny, can you believe the life you’ve created for yourself? I ask this as someone who often must step back and note from where I’ve come. Does this happen to you? Kenny Williams: This happens to me all the time William. Looking back and counting my blessings is a way of life for me. I’m truly grateful for all I’ve done, I’m doing now, and I’m yet to do. It’s an exciting place to be in, although it’s not always comfortable or certain. But I’ve accomplished more than I ever planned or hoped I would. If this were it, I’d be pretty happy. However, I’m not done yet. There are more dreams and ideas I’d like to see fulfilled.

William: I was just listening to Kenny Williams Sings. You truly possess one of the most captivating male voices I’ve ever heard; trust I don’t say this lightly, nor very often. Kenny: Thank you very much for saying so. I genuinely appreciate it. And you’re a man of discerning taste, so I know those words don’t come lightly.

William: You want listeners to embark on what journey when listening to Kenny Williams Sings? Kenny: When I went into the studio to record the songs for the EP, I didn’t have a planned journey in mind. We recorded 11 songs in total and seven songs made the cut. Every song we recorded that day held a special place for us musically. But, as we listened back, there was something extra special about the final seven songs we chose. It was either because of something sonically, musically, vocally, or with the storytelling that made those songs stand out. But sometimes the reason was purely instinctual and couldn’t be explained. It was just in the moment of listening and responding emotionally that made the choice clear. Then, when it came time to compile and order the songs, I listened to them backto-back and focused on the flow of energy from song to song, which is what I also do when planning a set list or calling tunes at a gig. I like to flow with the energy of the room. However, in this instance there was no room, only seven songs. So, I simply let the emotion and energy of each song direct me to where they should be placed. Not to mention, how well a song flowed into and/or out of another. But the journey will be different for each listener and open to individual interpretation.

William: The music you’ve chosen is timeless. What have you learned about the way your songs continue to resonate with different audiences? Kenny: That people like, and want, real music. Authenticity, honesty, and genuineness shine through. Those attributes are, in and of themselves, timeless. They’re constant. Fads

and trends come and go, but there’s a reason why this music has survived as long as it has and still resonates with so many today. It transcends age, race, gender, and identity. For me, this music possesses an emotional content and lyrical depth you don’t find in much of today’s music. It’s universal in that it expresses the desires of love and life we all share and long for. I’m honored to be singing this music because, in a way, I feel as though this music chose me.

William: Your live performances are an awe-inspiring experience. Kenny: WOW! Thank you, William!

William: Do you acknowledge how unique your voice is to so many? Kenny: No, not really. Although, I do acknowledge, and recognize, people’s reactions to my voice, which still baffles me. I do realize I’ve something special that has always had a unique effect on people. But I try not to focus on that, especially when I’m on stage. I prefer to stay present and, in the moment, to serve the music and ultimately the listener. Plus, I’m my worst critic and can be very hard on myself.

William: Would you give insight into your creative process? Kenny: I wish I could say I’ve this elaborate regimen to share with you, but I don’t. When it comes to music or acting, for me it’s an emotional response. Be it a song or a theatrical role, it starts with how I’m emotionally affected by what I’m hearing, reading, or seeing. Especially with

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF KIRK TUCK.

music. if a song resonates within me and connects with me lyrically and emotionally, then I know I can perform it and move you just the same. As for acting, I tend to look for myself in the role I’m playing. If I can identify in some way with the character, that anchors me and gives me a solid place to come from. Since I’m a singer and do mostly musicals, I usually find the character through the songs they sing. I keep things simple to begin with and try to let the music speak to me and reveal itself. As an actor you must trust your gut or instincts and as a singer, your ears will never let you down. If I can first hear an idea, then I can manifest it vocally.

William: Let’s go back to the start. What was it like growing up in Austin, Texas? Kenny: It was great fun growing up in Austin, Texas. But it was a completely different city from Austin today. Simpler, relaxed, and culturally diverse. I remember hanging out on 6th Street back when it was all about the bands and the music. I was exposed to so much amazing music and so many brilliant musicians. Not to mention the black gospel church scene at the time. It was so inspiring in it’s own way.

William: Did growing up in Austin give you the drive to become who you are today? Kenny: Growing up in Austin contributed to my drive in becoming who I am today, because Austin is where it all began. It was the backdrop for everything I did or hoped to do. It offered the platforms and opportunities to learn, discover, and grow into myself.

William: What are your parents’ names? Kenny: My mother’s name is Earlynn and my father’s is Roy.

William: How many children are in your family? Kenny: One. Just me! I’m an only child.

William: Did you feel loved in your home? Kenny: Yes! I was deeply loved. Growing up, it was just me and my mom. I lost my father in the Vietnam war. But, openly expressing love and saying “I love you” was the norm for us, and still is today.

William: Was there music played constantly in your home? Kenny: Yes, there was. Every morning while getting ready for school and every Sunday when getting ready for church. We had one of those huge stereo consoles in the living room that blared music all over the house. And I personally played music all the time. It was, and still is, my favorite pastime. I used to come home from school and spend hours by myself, just me and my record player, listening to and singing along with all my favorite songs. I’d often give concerts to the make-believe audience made up of the furniture in my living room. And I listened to everything from James Brown to the Carpenters. I literally loved all types of music. In addition to recorded music and me singing, I also played alto saxophone and flute. So, the sounds of me practicing filled the house as well. Thank God for a loving, supportive, and tolerant mother.

William: Was religion practiced in your home? Kenny: Yes, it was. My mother is a woman of faith and she instilled that in me from an early age. I grew up Baptist but don’t follow a specific denomination today. But God and faith are at the center of life, hopes, and dreams.

William: As a young boy, when did you realize the music was in you and you were in the music? Kenny: Hmmm? That’s hard to pinpoint. I’ve literally been singing all of my life, and probably had a few of those moments.

William: When did you decide you wanted to be a singer? Kenny: I’ve known since I was five years old, I wanted to be a singer. It was then my mother put me in voice lessons because I was always walking around the house and singing into a brush like it was a microphone. That’s when my formal training in voice and music theory began.

William: How did your family embrace and provide encouragement and support of your interest in singing? Kenny: My mother provided encouragement and support for my interest in singing mainly by showing up. Whenever there was a concert or competition, she was there. She also chaperoned choir and band trips when I was in high school. Her presence, believe it or not, meant the world to me. Not to mention, she paid for everything. So, there’s that. To this day, my mom is my biggest fan and supports me in whatever way is needed.

William: How important to you was her embrace? Kenny: It was especially important. It was validation for who I was. I had the support of friends, teachers, and others in the community, but nothing beats the support of home.

If I had my mother’s support, that’s really all that mattered to me. She’s the only human I’ve wanted to make proud.

William: What did you study in college? Kenny: I was a voice major at the University of Texas at Austin.

William: Now, at any time did you want to pursue any career other than music? Kenny: Not at all. The only other career I was remotely interested in was journalism. For a short moment I was intrigued by the idea of being a reporter and/or news anchor. But, singing quickly eclipsed that.

William: Who or what played an influential role in deciding your vocal style? Kenny: The characteristics of how I sound when I sing have always been evolving, and I’ve never emulated any one singer. But the types of voices I’ve always gravitated toward include Karen Carpenter, Nat King Cole, Mel Torme, Ella Fitzgerald, Sam Cooke, Peabo Bryson, and Kenny Loggins, to name a few. Plus, I was in choirs and sang classical music all through school. But the influences were never conscious or intentional.

William: I’m intrigued by your entrance into music theatre. Talk to me about your interest in acting. Kenny: Acting was a beautiful detour that happened after college. I never had an interest in being an actor or being in musical theatre. But, through the persuading of a friend who was an actor, I auditioned for Once on this Island at then, Zachary Scott Theatre. When the day came, I ended up not going because I wasn’t feeling well. I didn’t know the protocol, so I just didn’t go. The next thing I knew the general director of the theatre was calling me. I explained what was happening, but he said to come anyway. In short, I sang and was cast as Daniel, the male romantic lead. To say I didn’t know what I was doing would be an understatement. But I knew I was cast because I could sing the role. There were many days when I’d be in rehearsal and a voice in my head would say, “Just get your bag, walk out of the room, and don’t come back.” Needless to say, I made it through the process and on to opening night, and in that moment, I fell in love with theatre. Afterwards, I enrolled in acting classes and dance classes, lost a lot of weight, and did everything I could to be my best on stage. A few years later, I set my sights on Broadway. And that’s how it began.

William: Is there a difference when you’re preparing for an acting role as opposed to Kenny Williams, the singer, preparing to record an album? Is the preparation and your mindset different? Kenny: The main difference is when I’m preparing for an acting role I’m playing someone other than myself. But, when I’m preparing to go into the studio to record, I’m going in as Kenny Williams. However, one of the benefits of being in theatre is I’ve become a better storyteller. Theatre taught me the importance of the text. Every word has value. And that has transferred to my preparation and performance of a song. In the same way I give focus to what I’m saying and how I’m saying it in a script for a role, I give to the lyrics of a song. It’s good to map out your journey so you can enjoy your trip.

William: With iconic roles in the Purlie and the Lion King, is there anything that would inspire you to take up acting roles again? Kenny: Of course. I haven’t abandoned acting. I’m just more focused on my expression as a vocalist and solo artist. Since returning to Austin in 2013, I’ve appeared in Gospel at Colonus, Sophisticated Ladies, and A Christmas Carol at ZACH Theatre. And I’ll continue to act and pursue the roles that intrigue me and speak to my spirit.

William: Let’s talk about discipline and inspiration. How do you find your inspiration and where do you get the discipline to make those inspirations a reality? Kenny: I’m inspired by doing and listening. I often get the inspiration for an idea while performing myself or while listening to others perform, live or recorded. Also, from the everyday life around me. The discipline to make those inspirations a reality comes from the desire to see them manifest.

William: How do you cope with any butterflies you may encounter before a live performance? Kenny: I don’t do anything, really. I’ve learned to simply acknowledge it and be in the moment of what I’m feeling. Because the moment I hit the stage they go away. I used to frustrate myself with asking why and trying to figure it out, and that just made it worse. More recently, I’ve turned butterflies into a spiritual omen reminding me I can’t do it alone. So, I’ll stop, take a deep breath, pray, and let it all go.

William: Do you recall the point in your life when you realized you had real power? Kenny: It was probably the night of my debut concert in New York City, May 5, 2008. I walked out to a sold-out room, wall to wall with people cheering to the top of their lungs. And, during the show people were leaned in, hanging on my every word. More than recognizing the power, it was very humbling. And I felt so loved.

William: I’m not aware of anyone who isn’t fond of you. From where does your large heart come? Kenny: Really? I’m sure there’s someone who’s not fond of me. But I can’t really say where my large heart comes from. Off the top of my head, I’d say my mother because she’s the same way. Or it’s simply the grace of God. I want to give to others what I want for myself.

William: What are your feelings on the power of love? Kenny: Love Saves. Love Heals. Love lifts. Love sets us free. And that’s not only the love from another but for oneself. Love starts with you.

William: How do you live a conscious life? Kenny: By staying true to who I am and what I do, the way I do it. As I used to always say, “Do you boo.”

William: What do you believe Kenny Williams represents to the community? Kenny: Joy. Love. Healing and Hope. These are not my words, but actual words that people have used when describing their experience of me.

William: Do you worry about the narratives others have said or written about you? Kenny: Sometimes. I also realize I’ve limited control over what others say or write. But so far so good. No lawsuits filed as of yet.

William: Do you feel changed as a person by global events of 2020, and if so, in what ways? Kenny: In a way, but not really. However, the one thing 2020 did do for me was to offer an opportunity for reassessment. It allowed for the slate to be wiped clean and to start anew. Given all the free time on my hands, I decided to go within. I sought to reconnect with my heart’s will and desire and to re-examine what it was I truly wanted. I’m still on that journey and still asking questions. But one thing I’ve learned as a result is to say “no” without guilt. I’ve decided going forward, I only want to do, and say yes, to those things that feed my spirit and bring me joy. Despite the many hardships of last year, I’m grateful for the events of 2020 and how they’re shaping us and our world.

William: What do you want to accomplish with the next phase of your career? Kenny: I want more of the same, but on a much larger

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JACK MITCHELL.

scale. More albums. Symphony concerts. Touring in the United States and Europe. A Grammy nomination and a Grammy win.

William: What has been your most rewarding professional achievement? Kenny: My most rewarding professional achievement was releasing my self-titled debut EP on January 31, 2019. It felt so amazing to release my vision into the world and have people like it. Second, would be my Broadway debut in Disney’s The Lion King.

William: And your most rewarding personal achievement? Kenny: The same as my professional achievement. They’re really one in the same. Music is my life, and my life is music. William: What’s your proudest moment away from the entertainment industry? Kenny: When I signed the lease on my first New York City apartment by myself.

William: What’s something I’d find surprising about you? Kenny: That I can twirl a baton.

William: What recently has given you immense joy? Kenny: Releasing my new single Bella Luna into the world.

William: What is your idea of living your best life? Kenny: Being my most authentic and genuine self -- physically, emotionally, spiritually, and musically. To have all those attributes aligned. l