In a world where promiscuity, materialism, and the exploitation of money takes precedence over love, musicianship, regard for self-worth and respect for women, Bj stands as the representation of a revolution for these positive qualities.Born Billy Madison, Jr. in sunny Ft. Lauderdale, FL, later to become Billy Williams, it was during the tender age of four when Bj realized his musical potential and began to explore his gifts of singing, dancing, and art. Being a negative product of the streets of South Florida would have been an easy conquest to pursue, however, he used the common behavior associated with the neighborhoods where he grew up as an incentive to do the right thing and encourage his peers to also make better choices. This monumental move would cause him, later in life, to become an activist for the productivity of our youth and young adult communities instead of perpetuating the pattern of indecision and deficiency of self-worth and self respect.It was in 1993 that Bj began to venture out and was introduced to other bands, ensembles, and musical groups that would inevitably cause him to seriously commit to his craft. He was exposed to and performed many musical genres on the outside of his church affiliation. Classical, Opera, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Gospel, and Soul were just a few of the genres which caused him to develop and cultivate his own unique musical style and ability.Being inspired by so many of the great pioneers such as Duke Ellington; Donny Hathaway; Sam Cooke; Marvin Winans; John P. Kee; Stevie Wonder; Al Green; and Marvin Gaye, Bj used his inspiration and compassion for music to become both a writer and skilled vocalist committed to producing nothing less than the best in musicality.Some of Bj’s musical contributions include:• Backup singer for Roberta Flack and Peabo Brison (Courtesy of Dillard School of the Arts)
• Opened for Great Artists such as the Legendary Gospel Artist, Shirley Caesar; the Reverend John P. Kee, and Yolanda Adams
• Awarded the 1997 ACTSO Award Metal in Vocal Performance Category.
• DSA 1997 Most Outstanding Male Vocalist
• Appeared as a solo artist on the 1998 and 2001 recordings of the Bethune-Cookman College Concert Chorale, titled “From Bach to Gospel II and IIIâ€.
• Toured, performed, and recorded extensively with great groups such as The Dillard School of the Arts “Harmony Plusâ€; Dillard Singing Panthers; the Youth Alive Crusade Chorale (YACC) under the direction of Kendall C. Hunter; Gospel Music Sensation -“Eliakimâ€; Hattie Harden & Friends of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; the World-Renowned Bethune-Cookman College Concert Chorale; and the Jazz Band "Forte".
Myspace Layouts - Myspace Editor - Image Hosting
