Lori Williams

Daughter of Robert Williams and Myrtle W. Williams, Lori Anne Williams is the lead vocalist for two Washington-based jazz ensembles (Lori Williams & Friends and Collaboration). She is also the featured vocalist with The Saltman Knowles Group. She graduated from Hampton University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Arts. She is enrolled at the University of the District of Columbia pursuing a Jazz Studies degree.

Lori is the proud mother of two talented and gifted children, Lauren Vanessa (an honor roll student since Kindergarten maintaining an A average throughout her tenure) and toddler son, Yusef Khalil. She has two sisters, Robyn W. Carlin (educator and math specialist/college professor) and Vanessa Williams (Gospel recording singer and professional artist). Lori was the former Director of Programs for the Best Friends Foundation. She also taught Music at Thomson Elementary School in Washington, DC. Currently, Lori is the Director of Vocal Music and former Music Department Chairperson at Wilson Senior High School (also in the District). She has an extensive background in the performing arts. She has directed several choirs including the National Diamond Girls Jazz Choir (performing for the Inauguration Ceremony for President George Bush); the Sagamihara Christian Fellowship Gospel Choir in Sagamihara, Japan; the Fort Foote Baptist Church Gospel Choir in Fort Washington, Maryland; Carmody Hills Baptist Church Children's Choir in Capitol Heights, Maryland; and the Bethlehem Baptist Church Gospel Choir in Washington, DC.

Lori has performed with many nationally-known artists such as Regina Belle, Eric Benet, Keter Betts, The Blackbyrds, Tom Browne, Jerry Butler, Gene Chandler, Will Downing, David Dyson, James Genus, Savion Glover, Slide Hampton, Walter Hawkins, Nathan Heathman, William Hubbard, Al Johnson (former lead singer of The Unifics, Allyn Johnson and Divine Order, Ben E. King, Debbie Kirkland, Ledisi, Marion Meadows, Maysa, Julia Nixon, Phil Perry, Lloyd Price, Ellie Saitoh and The Love Tambourines, Saltman Knowles Group, Sylver Logan Sharp (former lead singer of Chic), The Sherelles, Gary Taylor, Tony Terry, Bobby Vee and The Vees, Andre Ward, Kim Waters, Allyson Williams, Vanessa Williams, Vesta Williams, and Sherry Winston. She also has done extensive studio recording and commercial work in the Metropolitan area and Japan.

Lori Williams performed in Arts United of Washington's live jazz theatrical and dance presentations of ?Meet Me at the Caf?? and ?The Scenic Route? at the Joy of Motion Dance Center ? Jack Guidone Theatre in Washington, DC. She also showcased her singing, acting and dancing ability in director Thomas Jones' production of ?The All Night Strut? and ?Cool Papa's Party? (choreographed by Maurice Hines) at the Metro Stage Theatre in Alexandria, Virginia. She co-starred in ?Isn't It Romantic? (written and directed by David Hunter Koch) with Jimi Ray Malary at Metro Stage as well. Additionally, Lori played the role of Mary in ?Bending Towards the Light ? A Jazz Nativity? at Patriot's Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey. The production was written and conducted by Anne Phillips and produced by Bob Kindred.

Lori Williams is working on her debut CD ~ Healing Within, scheduled to be released in the fall of 2010. The wonderful artists joining Lori on this project are Michael Bowie, Yusef Khalil Chisholm (Lori's son), Tony Cothran, Tracey Cutler, Derrick Gardner, James Genus, Lauren Highsmith (Lori's daughter), Jimmy "Junebug" Jackson, Allyn Johnson, William Knowles, Lisa Locke, Antonio Parker, Robert Person, Benjie Porecki, Mark Prince and Vanessa Williams. Recorded at Studio 51, Dunkirk, MD - engineer Brad Baerwald; Bias Studio, Springfield, VA - engineer Bob Dawson. This project is dedicated to the memory of Lori's Mother