Meet Lori Williams | International Recording Artist, Veteran Music Educator / Artist-In-Residence, Producer, Business Owner, Radio Host, and Musical Theatre Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lori Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lori, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I’ve seen my work life balance change over time as my children have grown and my career roles have enhanced. When my children were younger, I had to manage being a mom, professional performer (LoriJazz.com) and music educator. The tasks involved often felt overwhelming at times; but trusting and believing in GOD for HIS grace, strength and favor, I discovered how to effectively manage my time. I could take on more responsibilities and be of service to the community. Also as my children became young adults, I created healthy spaces for positions that bring positive and challenging opportunities for my academic and social development and engagement. I am able to work in the different fields without being stressed and successfully carrying out my previous duties, plus managing as Executive Director of Positive Music for Positive Minds (PositiveMindsPM.org), producing and hosting for Sunday Jazz Lounge (St. James Live ATL), producing “Collector’s Choice with Lori Williams” (JazzRadioWETF.org), carrying out duties as PTSA Secretary, and running my personal travel consultancy (https://loriwilliams.inteletravel.com/booktravel.cfm).

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I often characterize the opportunities I’ve experienced as “unexpected blessings”. I am a mom, recording artist, music educator, songwriter, producer, musical theater actress, radio host, business owner/founder (PositiveMusicPM.org), and artist-in-residence with over 30 years of experience. My vocal jazz artist residencies have allowed me to work with and mentor students on college campuses in the USA and abroad. Also, my annual vocal jazz tour and performances at music festivals have taken me to Europe (Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia, Russia, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and Ukraine), Japan, British Virgin Islands, and across the United States (performing at venues and festivals like Berks Jazz Festival, The Birchmere, Blues Alley, Blue Note Hawaii, Capital Jazz Fest/Cruise, City Winery, Disney’s Pleasure Island, Gulf Coast Jazz Festival, Jazzland, The Kennedy Center, Rams Head Live, Riviera Maya Jazz Festival, and more).

As a veteran vocal music educator and private vocal coach, I received many honors for my contributions to the arts, including The Atlanta Chapter of the National Hampton Alumni Association’s 2023 Excellence in Arts and Entertainment Award, Outstanding Music Teacher in the October 2000 issue of Teaching Music, the 2007 Superintendent’s Arts Teacher of the Year, and the 2010 Vincent E. Reed Teacher of the Year. I was nominated for a 2014 Helen Hayes Award as an Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical for my role as Ella Fitzgerald. I have received letters of recognition for my performances by President Joseph Biden, Speaker of the House John Boehner, and Senator C. Anthony Muse. Immersed in traditional jazz from an early age and earning a B.A. in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University, I am thrilled to host a weekly radio program on JazzRadioWETF.org – “Collector’s Choice with Lori Williams”. I also have the honor of being the producer and host of Sunday Jazz Lounge (a weekly concert series featuring live jazz) at St. James Live in Atlanta, Georgia.

I was blessed to have loving parents who afforded me the opportunity to attend my first-choice college. My experiences at Hampton University provided effective tools for networking and professional development and fostered lifelong bonds. Has my path been easy? Not always. There are so many skilled / talented people in the world – and in this business – you must stand out. What has been a positive for me is surrounding myself with people who strive to live with moral integrity and who care about the people they serve. My life’s journey has already been orchestrated by GOD. The toughest job any of us has is to stay focused and not get side-tracked. When that happens, I forgive myself and others, ask for grace and mercy, and reset, restart, refocus, re-energize – whatever it takes to try to get it right. My goal is to continue being of service to GOD and share HIS gifts.
I have a saying, “Words are powerful. Speak wisely.” I want to live a life that is pleasing to GOD.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Music is always the best way to experience a good time in the city. And there are so many exciting venues. Some of the local favorites are St. James Live on Sundays at 4PM, City Winery ATL (especially on June 23 at 8PM for Summertime Serenade), The Velvet Note, Ten ATL, The Perfect Note, Red Light Cafe, Callanwolde, Gallery 992, Atlanta Symphony Hall and The Fox Theatre. (I can’t wait for Churchill Grounds to reopen.) I like to cook at home; but if I wanted to take my friends out to eat, I would choose one of these locations. You can get some delicious food at Atl Fusion BBQ, Thumbs Up Diner, Atlanta Breakfast Club, and Busy Bee Cafe. There are so many great restaurants with different cuisines. In the summertime, the festivals are the perfect places to hang. We’d definitely check out the Atlanta Jazz Festival and Atlanta Wine and Jazz Festival.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people who I want to dedicate my shoutout to – my parents, children (Lavahi and Yusef Khalil), family, and friends. I love you. I want to acknowledge every educator and mentor (especially those who encouraged me to follow my passion). I want to thank every musician who valued me and created safe spaces for music to be authentically shared. I want to give a shoutout to everyone who supported me by attending my performances, purchasing my music, listening to my radio shows, allowing me to teach/direct them music. And I am grateful for the challenges along the way that have made me stronger and more eager to share my story – a life’s song of resilience and determination.

Website: https://www.lorijazz.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriwilliams_lorijazz/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-williams-5885781/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lorijazz22

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoriJazzWilliams/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUJvDnqs5OwQycCltAILeWA

Other: https://www.positivemusicpm.org/

Image Credits
Sylvia McAfee