Hall of Fame: Alyson Williams
Even though she never caught hold of the "mainstream" audience, the immensely talented New York-based Alyson Williams sung new jack tunes and quiet storm ballads with equal measure, and was very popular in the urban realm throughout the New Jack Era. After numerous background vocal sessions throughout the '80s, she finally got her shot as a solo vocalist with Raw, released on Def Jam Records in '89. The set included two new jack entities in "Sleep Talk" and "My Love Is So Raw." The latter featured then unknown female rapper Nikki D's innovative lyrical talent. Other noteworthy tracks include the quiet storm staples "Just Call My Name" and "I Need Your Lovin."
Williams would return with her self-titled sophomore release in '91 to favorable urban appeal and etch out two more r&b hits in "Can't Have My Man" and "Just My Luck." Nevertheless, it wasn't as strong as her debut, and after background vocal sessions for Big Daddy Kane and Jacci Mcghee in early '92, she would enter a quiet period for over a decade.
In 2004, Alyson Williams recently performed high atop Rockefeller Center at the prestigious Rainbow Room, to an audience of the record industry's top executives from Atlantic Records to Universal Music. The general response to her return was overwhelmingly positive. 2004's It's About Time was released on Three Keys Music, a boutique record label. Alyson is still currently active as a performer in the New York area.
Bio submitted to Njs4ever by L. Hyson w/contributions by the New Jack Guru, and J. Kelley.
