LORI WILLIAMS - EPK
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LORI WILLIAMS - EPK *
Acclaimed international jazz vocalist Lori Williams is an award-winning performing artist, veteran music educator, songwriter, producer, musical theater actress, radio host, entrepreneur, and founder of Positive Music for Positive Minds, Inc. (PositiveMusicPM.org). With more than three decades of professional experience, she has built an international reputation as one of today's premier jazz vocalists.
Her annual tours and festival performances have taken her throughout Europe (including Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, and Russia), Japan, Mexico, the Caribbean, and across the United States. She has appeared at renowned venues and festivals including The Kennedy Center, Blues Alley, The Birchmere, Birdland Hamburg, Blue Note Hawaii, Capital Jazz Festival and Cruise, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Berks Jazz Festival, Keystone Korner Baltimore, Spivey Hall, Middle C Jazz, Scullers Jazz Club, Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, Trieste Loves Jazz, JazzFestBRNO, JAZZIN (Switzerland), and many others. As an artist-in-residence, Lori has also mentored and taught students at colleges and universities in the United States and abroad.
A highly respected vocal music educator and private vocal coach, Lori has received numerous honors, including the 2025 South Arts Jazz Road Award, the 2023 National Hampton Alumni Association Atlanta Chapter Excellence in Arts & Entertainment Award, the Superintendent's Arts Teacher of the Year Award, the Vincent E. Reed Teacher of the Year Award, and recognition as Outstanding Music Teacher by Teaching Music magazine. She was also nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical for her portrayal of Ella Fitzgerald. Her performances have earned commendations from President Joseph R. Biden Jr., who described her as having "the voice of an angel... absolutely amazing," as well as recognition from Speaker of the House John Boehner and Senator C. Anthony Muse.
Committed to jazz education and preservation, Lori earned a B.A. in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University, studied Jazz at the University of the District of Columbia, and is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Jazz Studies (Vocal Concentration) at Georgia State University. She also hosts the weekly radio program Collector's Choice with Lori Williams on JazzRadioWETF.org, highlighting women in jazz, international artists, and emerging performers, and serves as producer and host of the Sunday Jazz Lounge at St. James Live! in Atlanta.
Throughout her career, Lori has performed and recorded with an impressive roster of acclaimed artists, including Oleta Adams, Yolanda Adams, Regina Belle, The Blackbyrds, Tom Browne, TC Carson, Chuck Brown, George Duke, Will Downing, Nathan East, Stanley Jordan, Bobby McFerrin, Maysa, Najee, Phil Perry, Kindred the Family Soul, Gerald Veasley, and many others.
Lori has released six independent recordings in addition to collaborations with artists worldwide. Her most recent traditional jazz album, Here We Are, was recorded in Austria for Double Moon Records with Bernhard Wiesinger, Christian Havel, Renato Chicco, Joris Dudli, and Doug Weiss, and is available on all major streaming platforms.
Lori Williams is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, and is a voting member of The Recording Academy.
For music, videos, tour information, and more, visit LoriJazz.com and LoriJazz.net.
SHORT BIO
press photos
Music & videos
reviews
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reviews *
“...Lori, you have the voice of an angel. You are absolutely amazing.” – President Joseph R. Biden
“Lori Williams - Her voice…beautiful, earthy and warm. Just gorgeous and such loving energy. I swear I could feel my blood pressure calming as her music poured over me.. Thank you for taking my soul on this lovely journey away from the voices in my head.” – Lisa Fischer
“It’s always a pleasure and adventure working with Lori Williams. Lori is an amazing musician, very dedicated to the art form and is always ready to take her music to the next level. Much success to you Lori.” – Allyn Johnson
“Lori Williams is a class act in every way, musically or in life. A queen among us, with the kind of vocal warmth that makes her relatable and romantic. I’ve been honored to work with her.” – Aja Graydon Dantzler | Kindred the Family Soul
“You can call me a big Lori Williams fan. From the first time I had the pleasure of hearing her and performing with her I’ve been a fan. Lori has a such distinct sound that once you hear her sing you don’t forget it and want to hear more. I’ve had the pleasure of sharing stages with her and look forward to the next time. I’m also looking forward to her new project which I know will be the bomb. So whether you’re hearing her for the first time or you’re a long-time fan like me, you’re in for a treat.” – Nick Colionne
“Lori Williams’ beautiful voice glides soulfully and effortlessly across a smooth and inviting rhythmic landscape with messages of abundance, joy, and affirmation. This project is food for the soul and a soundtrack for your daily groove!” – Dianne Reeves
“From the very first note I played with Lori, I knew she was blessed with a very special gift. Her instincts and musical choices are just right and fill your heart with joy.... She gets it!” – Nathan East
"If you'd like to hear sensual tones encompassing beautiful colors and sublime phrasing...Listen to Lori Williams." – Maysa
“A Love Supreme, is what I think about when I watch Lori in process. I think of what my band mate, Grady Tate, told me once, ‘a great musician always studies the lyrics, knows the words’. That’s exactly what I see Lori do when she takes on a song. It’s the reason why her audiences are swept away with her…she understands, and delivers, the message.” – Michael Bowie
“Grace, beauty, talent, and sheer power to stimulate one’s musical sense of curiosity. All these words describe Lori Williams – one of the great vocal treasures of our time.” – Najee
“I am truly fascinated by Lori Williams’ profound and spontaneous character. Her openness to spontaneously perform with a wide range of bands is exemplary. Further, I am deeply impressed by Lori Williams’ perfection and passion. On stage, she immediately passes on her light to the audience. Therefore, her concerts are an unforgettable experience. Lori Williams really embodies music and in my eyes she is one of the greatest and most loveable jazz singers.” – Urs C. Eigenmann
“I’m a fan of real music and these days I don’t get to hear a lot of it. I love artists that maintain the integrity of music and build on it as well. That’s Lori Williams to me. A beautiful voice that commands attention. She captivates you with her own musical style and personal elegance. She’s a musical blessing.” – Will Downing
“Lori Williams is a special talent. She can seamlessly move from jazz to R and B where the listener can feel at home with her in either genre. It has been a pleasure working with her, as she has set the bar for vocalists to come. If you are not familiar with Lori Williams, check her out - you will not be disappointed!” –Terri Lyne Carrington
“What can I say about Lori Williams? We go way back! It’s been a pleasure to see my friend’s musical growth from our college years to now.” – James Genus
"My dear friend, Lori Williams, exemplifies the term ‘a Singers Singer’ in style, passion, and content. Her songs are sung with a smooth yet emotional delivery, with impeccable phrasing. Her choices of lyrical themes are those that touch the human soul, combined with all of the harmony and melody of a sultry and seasoned chanteuse. Both my wife, Lillian, and I agree, that Lori Williams is ‘the Real Thing’! Keep listening and you’ll see what we mean." – Phil Perry
"Whenever I think of Lori Williams only 'superlatives' come to mind. She's intelligent, caring, talented, beautiful, funny, sassy and SO much more. I've been involved in music at a high level for over 35 years and Lori is one of the few singers I've worked with that not only sings incredibly but equally understands, theoretically, what she's singing. There are very few singers who I refer to as a 'musician'. Lori is one of them." – Anthony Wellington
“Lori Williams is a celebrated jazz singer with a voice smooth as silk with an endless list of credentials to celebrate her gift.” – Muse.World
“Vocalist Lori Williams has the kind of voice that good singers are made of. With a sound that was honed over years of study and early days in the church, Williams sings with a depth of feeling that reflects both her technical command and her spiritual grounding. When she sings, there is no question about what she is singing and what she is trying to convey. Her words are clear; her message is crisp; her tone is warm; and her vocals feel effortless.” – Bridget A. Arnwine. | All About Jazz
“In the ever-crowded field of jazz vocalists, it is always such a pleasure to encounter an artist who stands out in the crowd.” – Willard Jenkins
“Lori Incorporates the modern jazz singer in every way. She has found her style and personal voice, rivets the attention of her audience with a phenomenal stage presence and knows how to delight her student as an educator. Besides that, she is one of the most warm-hearted and caring persons I have ever met! Lori IS music and love!” – Bernhard Wiesinger
“As a result of her initial exposure to jazz singing at Hampton University, Lori Williams has developed a unique style of her own that has resulted in her becoming an international star. Her performances worldwide have resulted in outstanding CD releases. As a vocalist, teacher and composer, Lori is considered to be one of the outstanding performers today.” – Robert Ransom
“An extraordinary musician of international acclaim, Lori’s vocal prowess spans multiple genres. Having performed with her on several occasions, it is readily apparent to me that the nexus of her musicianship and charisma is astonishing and ever-vibrant. From the technical perspective, Lori’s sound is flawlessly graceful—perceived visually and aurally as elegant and seemingly effortless; her impeccable communicative expression finds its mark with audiences of any generation, race, ethnicity, or creed. Her authentically genuine spirit and respect for the musical arts immediately permeate the stage and the room.“ – Dr. Weldon Hill
“An engaging performer with a voice like honey, Lori is the real deal!” – Gerald Veasley
“She’s got a soft-edged, creamy voice that’s a natural vehicle for introspection, but also one that you could happily curl up and get lost in. It’s stunning, supple, subtle, sumptuous, soulful music—let’s call that the five S’s of Lori Williams, shall we?” – Michael J. West
“…in a world where artists are routinely put into a box, Lori is a hidden gem who straddles that fence between jazz and soul. If you enjoy classic artists like Phyllis Hyman, Al Jarreau, or Patti Austin, then Lori’s work certainly warrants a listen.” – Cliff Hunte
“Lori's vocals are almost like an instrument themselves. I absolutely fell for her voice from the first track on, and again, listening to the entire record is a must-do, simply because, if you are a fan of jazz music, with soul infused throughout it, then this entire record is 100% for you.” – BuzzSlayers.com
“...the nine songs (offer) great variety and cover a broad spectrum, and the respective soloists, including the protagonist's powerful vocals, underscore the quality of the music with their performances, which shine with the elegance, lightness, and warmth of all those involved.” – Musikansich
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