Check Out Elvie Williams Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elvie Williams.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am originally from Jersey City, New Jersey. As a youngster similar to many noted musicians of color, the church served as the formative space where my musical gifts were first realized. However, my story is a bit different, rather than being immersed solely in the gospel music tradition, I grew up catholic and observed my mother who was a classically trained operatic soprano perform. From my mother, I was able to discover, a love for music that was not solely based on one type of genre but was truly vast.

I recall my mother playing the deep sultry tones of Anita Baker and would perform excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, then back to the pop idiom as one of her favorite artists of the time was none other than Janet Jackson. Through her eyes, I saw a world of possibility in music. From a very young age, my mother took notice of my musical abilities and did everything in her power as a single mother of three to remain committed to ensuring that I was in the proper environment to cultivate my abilities. This led her to the doors of Newark Boys Chorus, the only urban-based boy’s chorus in the U.S that provides tuition-free private instruction for boys grades 4 -8.

Similarly, The Newark Boys Chorus is referred to worldwide as “Newark New Jersey’s Musical Ambassadors”. Under the direction of choirmaster Donald Morris, I was able to further hone my musical abilities and went from singing as a chorister to being sought after as a young boy soprano soloist. I was fortunate during my tenure there to perform as a soloist on many of the world’s great stages such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kimmel Center, and international festivals in Riga, Latvia. I also performed as a soloist alongside opera stars Renee Fleming & Lesley Garrett.

As I advanced in age pursuing a professional degree in music was not a suggestion but an expectation. I moved forward to enroll in Westminster Choir College of Rider University where I obtained a bachelor of arts in music and later moved to Nashville, TN to pursue my master’s in Vocal Performance at Belmont University. Fast forward to now, I currently serve as an Adjunct Professor on the voice faculty at Tennessee State University a historically black college, where I am proud to serve a role in cultivating this new generation of performers.

I am also a singer-songwriter, executive producer, and founder of LV Vocal Studio where I provide vocal instruction for emerging and professional artists nationwide.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road to where I am has not been easy. Being raised in the inner city, though my childhood was laced with a plethora of cherished musical experiences I did not come from an affluent background. I watched my mother literally struggle to provide for our family. However, in retrospect, her steadfast dedication as being the sole provider for our family while graciously guiding my gifts is what lifted me.

Progressing into my older years in order to establish my career on my own terms, I knew it was necessary to leave the comforts of home. So I boarded the greyhound to head to Nashville not knowing anyone. Imagine a northern boy heading to the south with only a vision and a few bags. It took dedication and courage to amass the level of influence I have gained while here in Nashville.

Along the way, I made many mistakes allowing fear to stifle my creativity, staying in workspaces that did not serve my purpose. What sustained me was the foundational principles of integrity & work ethic that I first observed from my mother, a single parent of three and an educator for over 30 years. The greatest lesson I have learned through it all is the value of consistency. Over these years, I have made a name for myself through consistent movements.

As a result, my artistic journey has led me to perform at Nashville Opera, equity theatres, as a session singer with established musicians such as Grammy award-winning producers Shannon Sanders, Chuck Harmony, & Claude Kelly to name a few. Singing background vocals for the Grammy award-winning duo For King and Country, Carrie Underwood, and Mya.

To now, being a founder of my own business LV VOCAL STUDIO, a one-stop-shop for artists. Whether it was in a studio booth, on a stage, or in a classroom. I do my best to present my best self and that has made the world of difference in endeavoring to make a visceral impact.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My purpose is tri-fold as an executive producer, artist & vocal coach. So to address this question I have to look through each lens.

As a producer what sets me apart is my ability to create opportunities and performance platforms. Not only do I look for opportunities to invest in the manifestation of someone else’s creativity, but I’ve also been intentional about continually cultivating my own. As an artist, the versatility of my gift is my greatest strength; it allows me to stand in many art spaces across genres authentically.

As a vocal coach, I have a strong ability to transform the individuals I come into contact with for the better. I try to foster environments that help artists feel seen beyond their talent. Then they are able to grow in their understanding of themselves and their unique gifts. I am most proud of the risks I have taken to embrace my passion fully. Mainly, in leaving corporate America to pursue music/entrepreneurship full time.

I am most proud of my most recent curatorial endeavor, celebrating the essential role African Americans have played in creating the American soundtrack, I executive produced and R&B Legends Tribute Showcase in partnership with the National Museum of Africain American Musics Emerging Artists Series.

Through this showcase, we were able to assemble a cast of over 30 pre-professional and professional dancers, instrumentalists, and singers for one night only. We made history as one of the very first performances to be held at the Roots theater stage. Every now and then walking through these spaces, I have to pinch myself.

As much as I have seen and done, I still have not arrived. I have learned with time that my path is not simply being created but rather it is being revealed. I simply do my best to stay present at the moment and treat every space as a masterclass. I embrace the gift of who I am and what I have to give.

When it is all said and done, I want the world to know me not only for the gifts I possess but for my commitment to uplifting and serving others.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is leaving an enduring legacy by using my creative essence to positively impact and influence the lives of others.

Some of the best students I have had are the ones who carry an inherent and deep reverence for their legacy, who measure all of the actions against the type of impact they hope to make in the world. I only hope to be an effective model of what that looks like.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lvvocalstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/theelviewilliams?utm_medium=copy_link
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lvvocalstudio
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/k0AlAdA8YUE
• Other: Steam Elvie’s Debut Single “Limitations” on all music outlets: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/elvie/cy2x

Image Credits
Xavier L. Young, Bralyn Stokes, Simbalic, and Newleemade