Lori Williams and Friends

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Daughter of Robert Williams and Myrtle W. Williams (deceased), Lori Anne Williams-Chisholm is the lead vocalist for two Washington-based jazz ensembles (Collaboration and Lori Williams & Friends). She graduated from Hampton Institute University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Media Arts. She is the wife of professional jazz bassist and teacher/producer, Yusef Chisholm; and proud mother of a talented and gifted daughter, Lauren Vanessa (a high school honor roll student and musician), and newborn son Yusef Khalil. She has two sisters, Robyn W. Carlin (Educator and Math Specialist) and Vanessa Williams (Gospel Recording Singer and 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 General Music Teacher, Director of Choirs, and Music Department Chairperson at Woodrow 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; the Sagamihara Christian Fellowship Gospel Choir in 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 recording artists such as Regina Belle, Eric Benet, Keter Betts, Tom Browne, Jerry Butler, Gene Chandler, Will Downing, David Dyson, Walter Hawkins, Nathan Heathman, William Hubbard, Ben E. King, Debbie Kirkland, Ledisi, Marion Meadows, Maysa, Julia Nixon, Phil Perry, Lloyd Price, Ellie Saitoh and The Love Tambourines, Sylver Logan Sharp, 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 on the East Coast, USA and Japan.Lori Williams performed in Arts United of Washington’s live jazz theatrical and dance presentations of “Meet Me at the Café” 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” at the Metro Stage Theater in Alexandria, Virginia.Lori’s affiliations include Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Federal City Alumnae Chapter, Washington, D.C.), The International Association for Jazz Education (President-elect – Washington, D.C. Unit), DC Music Educators Association (Secretary – Washington, D.C. Chapter), Oxon Hill High School Instrumental Boosters Association (Past Secretary), The National Association for Female Executives, and Kappa Tau Alpha. Lori Anne was recognized as an outstanding Music Teacher in the October 2000 issue of Teaching Music magazine. She was selected to have her biography appear in the 2005 Premier Edition of Great Women of the 21st Century for her professional dedication and commitment to communities. She was also recognized as a 2005-2006 National Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teacher. Lori Anne was selected as a recipient of the 2007 Superintendent's Arts Teacher of the Year Award. She was honored at the Mayor's Arts Awards, held at the John F. Kennedy Center, received a custom trophy, and a $500 award to be used for the music program at Woodrow Wilson Senior High School. This award was given on behalf of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, DC Public Schools, and the DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative.Creative Works: Best Men Theme Chant / written and arr. by Lori Anne Williams; What Have I Found in You? / by Lori Williams; Taste Your Kiss / by Lori Anne Williams; How Can I Begin Again? / by Lori Willliams; Make Music Not Madness: Theme Song/by Lori A. Williams.