Interview: Deniece Williams on Her Extraordinary Career, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Johnny Mathis and More
LEGENDS: A Podcast by All Day VinylShow Notes
In this episode of LEGENDS: Podcast by All Day Vinyl, host Scott Dudelson explores the extraordinary life and career of four-time Grammy-winning artist, Deniece Williams. From humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana, to gracing the global stage with her iconic songs, Williams shares the stories and lessons learned from her remarkable journey.
Listeners are given a front row seat as Williams recalls her time working with Stevie Wonder on his Talking Book album, touring with The Rolling Stones during their infamous 1972 tour of the USA, showing Stevie Wonder how to drive and how her solo career was kicked off with chance encounter with Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire.
We discuss the making of her debut album ”This is Niecy” which was recorded with Earth, Wind and Fire as the backing band and brought Deniece her first taste of stardom, her work with Johnny Mathis and meeting Prince Charles with Johnny. How she convinced George Duke to make ”Lets Hear it for The Boy” which ended up being her largest pop hit and the time her studio was turned Purple by Prince.
This episode invites audiences to delve deeper into Deniece’s partnerships with industry greats like George Duke and Thom Bell, highlighting the creative processes and insights that led to the creation of her enduring hits. The discussion not only celebrates her illustrious musical journey but also emphasizes her dedication to giving back to her community and paving the way for future generations.
Capturing the perseverance, grit and unwavering spirit that marked Deniece’s career, this episode provides a glimpse into the unique experiences and profound influence of this living legend.
Please rate and subscribe after you listen, thank you!
More from LEGENDS: A Podcast by All Day Vinyl
In this episode of the LEGENDS: Podcast by All Day Vinyl host Scott Dudelson sits down with legendary drummer Carmine Appice to trace a career that began in the late 1960s and shaped generations of rock drummers.
In this episode of the LEGENDS: Podcast by All Day Vinyl, producer/musician Steve Berlin of Los Lobos dives into the chaotic world of Top Jimmy and the Rhythm Pigs, recounting how a hard-living local legend became the heart of an unforgettable Los Angeles roots and cow-punk scene. The band’s lone album - Pigus Drunkus Maximus - has just been reissued on Blind Owl Albums and its an incredible document of early L.A punk and rock history.
Welcome to the Legends Podcast by All Day Vinyl, hosted by Scott Duddelson. In this captivating episode, Scott engages in a conversation with the legendary Barry ”The Fish” Melton, co-founder of Country Joe and the Fish, a pivotal band in the psychedelic rock movement. Barry shares enthralling tales from his time in the music world, starting with the origins of his nickname to co-founding Country Joe and the Fish.
In this episode of the LEGENDS: Podcast by All Day Vinyl interviews legendary songwriter Philip Springer, the composer of the classic Christmas song ”Santa Baby” for Eartha Kitt in 1953.
In this episode of the LEGENDS: Podcast by All Day Vinyl, host Scott Dudelson sits down with singer-songwriter Lee Michaels, writer/performer of the 1971 hit “Do You Know What I Mean.” Beyond that blue-eyed soul classic, Michaels built one of the most unconventional careers in music history.