Expansion Records Presents the Highly Anticipated Album Release “These Are The Sweet Things”, by Soul/Jazz Sensation Paulette McWilliams – Released 28th July 2023.
Expansion Records is thrilled to announce the release of the remarkable new album “These Are The Sweet Things” by the illustrious soul/jazz singer and songwriter, Paulette McWilliams. With a career spanning several decades and collaborations with legendary artists, Paulette McWilliams continues to captivate audiences with her extraordinary talent and undeniable charisma.
Born and raised on Chicago's South Side, Paulette McWilliams discovered her passion for singing at a tender age. Influenced by the likes of Sarah Vaughan, Aretha Franklin, and Ella Fitzgerald, she developed a deep appreciation for live music through attending shows at local clubs and outdoor block parties alongside her older sisters.
Her musical journey took flight when she made her first public appearance on the television show "Little Stars" at the age of 11, performing alongside the iconic Sammy Davis Jr. This early exposure set the stage for a remarkable career that would leave an indelible mark on the music industry.
Paulette McWilliams' musical prowess continued to flourish as she ventured into professional singing at the age of 12. Her first recording, a song she wrote titled "He's Nothing but a Teenage Dropout," showcased her immense talent and set the tone for her future endeavours. Joining the Chicago-based rock band "The American Breed" and later becoming the primary female lead vocalist for Rufus, McWilliams demonstrated her versatility and ability to infuse soul and R&B into her performances.
Paulette McWilliams relocated to Los Angeles, where her star continued to rise, not before introducing her friend Chaka Khan to take her place in Rufus and staying with her for two weeks to learn the songs and routines. Paulette McWilliams wanted time away to have and raise her daughter.
McWilliams lent her powerful vocals to over 600 radio and television jingles such as Folgers, McDonalds, Diet Pepsi with Britney Spears, Cadillac, Cover Girl, American Express, leaving an indelible mark on the advertising industry. Recognising her extraordinary talent, producer Quincy Jones later invited her to join his Body Heat promotional tour, where she showcased her remarkable backing and lead vocals. Her collaboration with Jones extended to his album "Mellow Madness," further solidifying her reputation as a sought-after vocalist.
In 1977, Paulette McWilliams released her debut solo album, "Feel Good All Over," under Fantasy Records. Although the album did not achieve commercial success, it served as a testament to McWilliams' artistry and marked the beginning of her solo career. She continued to flourish as a duet partner with the legendary Johnny Mathis and appeared on Michael Jackson's groundbreaking album "Off the Wall."
Additionally, her collaboration with Bette Midler's backing group, the Harlettes, led to a remarkable eight-week Broadway run and a transformative meeting with the incomparable Luther Vandross. In the early days of working with Luther, she recalls “I was not as tall as Lisa Fisher and Ava Cherry, both around 5’ 8”. I at 5’ 3” was shorter and so Luther asked me to sing, from the pit, with the band and ‘hold down a lot of the vocals’, so as not to upset the on-stage aesthetics”. Fortunately that soon changed along with the personnel. Their partnership would span two decades, with McWilliams lending her vocal talents to every album Vandross recorded during this period.
Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Paulette McWilliams graced numerous tracks with her soulful backing vocals, leaving an indelible imprint on some of the most iconic songs of the era. From David Bowie's "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)" to Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing," McWilliams' distinct voice elevated the artistry of the artists with whom she collaborated.
Today, Paulette McWilliams stands as a living legend, having recorded and toured with acclaimed musicians such as Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Michael Bublé, Jennifer Lopez, and Steely Dan. Her extraordinary vocal range and undeniable stage presence continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
Expansion Records is honoured to present Paulette McWilliams' latest album “These Are The Sweet Things” a masterpiece that showcases her soulful blend of jazz and captivating storytelling. The album promises to take listeners on an immersive musical journey, highlighting McWilliams' incomparable vocal abilities and profound artistry. The album is a collaboration with her former husband, Ivan Hampden Jr”, a drummer in the Luther Vandross touring band of whom she says is a perfect creative partner.
Paulette now resides in Studio City, Los Angeles.
Critiques:
- “Paulette McWilliams is a great jazz singer - better yet, a great singer”. Chaka Khan
- “She’s emerged as the consummate vocalist, equally at home in rock, RnB, jazz, house, Broadway and jingles”. PopMatters
- “With her low smoky voice, crystalline diction and ability to sound like anyone she was ask to, Paulette did not become a star overnight but instead a much in-demand vocalist for hire …”. TheUrbanMusicScene.com
- “Pitch perfect”. Theguardian.com
- “ … low, deep, sultry, velvety tones and an incredibly wide range. She has quite a long and extensive musical history’. Insidejazz.com