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Since an early age drums have been a sanctuary for Jeremy Williams. It was on his first drum set, purchased by his mother (great aunt) Bettye Flynn that he established his ability and found his passion for music. Prior to this, beating on tables, pots and pans, song-books, and even a fisher price basketball goal, were earlier signs of Jeremy’s calling for music.The people surrounded by him including his mom, mentor Fred Johnson and his pastor Alonzo Hatchet were very supportive of his gift. Jeremy was given numerous opportunities to play in choir rehearsals, evening church services, out of town functions, and outside church affiliated activities. To most these activities wouldn’t seem extracurricular but to Jeremy these functions were his livelihood. Jeremy was educated at East Literature Magnet School where he was very acquainted with the principal. Jeremy spent the majority of his time in the office for beating on tables and walls for purposes including but not limited to: rap battles, beat challenges, free-styles, and initiating in class karaoke that had everyone singing the words to an earlier Top 40 Hit. Jeremy like most others started off in band playing snare drum. However, this six-five freshman at the time would eventually put his sticks down part-time in exchange for a basketball. In the 2005-2006 Jeremy led his team to a school record 23 wins and was the first in the school’s history to sign a full athletic scholarship to Columbia State Community College. At Columbia State his dream for playing professional basketball would quickly fade as a result of nagging injuries and lack of playing time. However, it was in Columbia where he became re-established with his upbringings. Jeremy not only gained the opportunity to meet many new faces, but he also became associated with numerous musicians, music directors, producers, and young aspiring drummers. Once word was heard of his gift he began playing at appreciation days, charitable benefits, concerts, live-recordings, and stage-plays. He also unknowingly, was becoming a notable influence in the community for drummers and musicians of all ages. This would soon conflict with basketball, but it was at that point that he knew where his calling lay, and at that point nothing could intervene. Upon Jeremy’s departure from Columbia State he began to network like never before sending out mass emails on websites, advertisements, and at any open call for a musician regardless of genre. He would also audition for the MTV Reality Show “Making His Band”. Even though he didn’t make the cut he took this short-coming as motivation to perfect his craft and to truly be prepared when the time comes. “I believe patience is a virtue,” says Jeremy; I wasn’t as ready as I thought I was and it’s a lot harder than it looks. However, at the same time I put myself out there and took the risk which has greatly impacted my playing physically and mentally in a tremendously good way. The industry is designed to reject you; if it wasn’t everybody would be rock stars. In this nearly impossible to make it industry, rejection must always be motivation. It hurts, it’s humbling, but it only makes you stronger if you manage to get back up again and pick up those sticks you considered throwing away. “ Jeremy began doing studio sessions with various artists and at various recording studios in Nashville. Some of these people include pop artist Ben Sturgell. Jeremy recorded drums on nearly the entire album entitled “February Blue” and has been moving since. Studio sessions are rare opportunities for 19 year olds, but Jeremy was very grateful and took advantage of the situation at that present time. Jeremy has also recorded with many additional artists on soon to be released and accredited projects. Jeremy at 21 has also done his share of playing in many different bands, church choirs, quartet groups, ensembles, and worship chorales in Nashville and surrounding areas. Some of these include the Love Child Revue featuring the “Jefferson Street R&B Men,” “Shekinah Praise,” “Divine,” Silver Springs Baptist Church Male Chorus, “Vessels of Praise”, and the Smyrna Youth Community Choir. He has also served as the head percussionist at Silver Springs, House of God, New Harvest Family Church, Gospel Tabernacle, Booker Ridge, and New Destiny. Jeremy recently went on tour with an 80’s Rock/Country Tribute Act. He was blessed with the opportunity to inspire others across the country, and to play at some of the most exclusive venues and casinos in the U.S. In addition, Jeremy gain the experience of playing live, learned how to be a professional, how to listen to others, proper drum etiquette, never to practice on the gig, and the importance of having good durable equipment and a good sound. “Playing three to four hour shows sometimes on a nightly basis really solidified me as a drummer; I couldn’t chop it up for four hours! My arms would fall off. I had to learn how to control myself, and let the music play itself not the other way around.” Jeremy on his own accord after six months of touring decided to depart the band. According to his standard he had not yet “made it,” and learned all he was destined to on this gig and it was time to move on. Jeremy still plays for Ben Sturgell at many elite music venues in Nashville. He occasionally plays on Broadway, and was recently appointed to serve as percussionist for Pop/Country artist Rebecca Moreland. “It’s hard to make it in Nashville! It’s so many bands with less and less venues to make money at. Even though I was making more on the road I don’t regret my decision to leave, it’s not always about the money. Money is essential, but I don’t play for the money, I play because I love what I do. Drums are my passion it’s not a hobby, it’s my job. I believe my gift will make room for me, I am persistent and I don’t take no for an answer. Now that’s all well and good, but that means nothing in this oh so competitive industry. It’s nothing physically I can do to make things happen for myself without the help of God and putting him first. I can do all the planning and preparation but God has to do the executing.” Jeremy is currently booking studio sessions, and looking to join an established high-profile band or artist to tour and record with. Please send all inquires to [email protected] or in dire situations call 615-974-5022. “Call me anytime day or night I’ll be up, music is a 24/7 thing for me.” Please be sure to add Jeremy as a friend and visit his affiliate links to his Facebook, Twitter account, YouTube, and Ustream page.