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Michelle Williams (singer)
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Michelle Williams
Williams performing at Rye Playland in 2008.
Background information
Birth name Tenitra Michelle Williams
Born July 23, 1980 (1980-07-23) (age 29)
Rockford, Illinois, United States
Genres R&B, pop, dance-pop, gospel
Occupations Singer-songwriter, record producer, actress
Years active 2000–present
Labels Columbia, Spirit Rising Music, Sanctuary
Associated acts Destiny's Child, Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland, Farrah Franklin
Website www.michellewilliamsonline.com
Tenitra Michelle Williams (born July 23, 1980), commonly known as Michelle
Williams, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. She
is better known for being one-third of the successful R&B girl group Destiny's
Child, the best-selling female group of all time according to the World Music
Awards and Sony BMG.[1]
Originally a backing vocalist for singer Monica, Williams, alongside Farrah
Franklin, joined Destiny's Child in 2000 replacing former members LeToya Luckett
and LaTavia Roberson without notice. Following the departure of Franklin just
five months later, Williams continued on with fellow members Beyoncé Knowles and
Kelly Rowland as a trio. In 2002, after a series of commercial successes with
the ladies went solo. Williams released her number one Billboard Gospel album
Heart to Yours, which became the best-selling gospel album of 2002 and spawned
the single "Heard a Word". The album was followed by Do You Know in early 2004.
As well as having become a successful singer, Williams has also found success as
a television and Broadway actress, yet she continues to return to the music.
In 2008 she released her first commercial pop album, Unexpected, on October 7,
2008.[2] The lead single from the album "We Break the Dawn" reached #1 on the
Hot Dance Airplay chart; while her second single "The Greatest" peaked at #1 on
the Hot Dance Club Play chart and reached #32 on the Yahoo Top 100 R&B Music
Video chart.[3] Michelle will turn back to her broadway roots and play Roxie
Hart in the West-End's production of Chicago in July 2009.[4] Michelle stated on
her Twitter that she is to begin work on her new album which she said will have
a bit of a similar sound to Unexpected although it might contain more dance as
she has recorded a new dance track with Ultra Naté.[5] [6]
Contents [hide]
1 Early life
2 Recording career
2.1 Destiny's Child
2.2 2002-2003: Solo career and Aida
2.3 2004-2005: Destiny Fulfilled, hiatus and Do You Know
2.4 2006-2007: Televisions and The Color Purple
2.5 2008 to 2009 onwards: Unexpected and Roxie Hart
3 Philanthropy
4 Discography
5 Acting
6 Awards and nominations
7 References
8 External links
[edit] Early life
Born July 23, 1980 in Rockford, Illinois and raised in a Christian family,
Williams first began singing in her church's choir. She later sang in a musical
group called United Harmony with her sister Cameron. After attending Rockford
Auburn High School and being a part of the school's Creative and Performing Arts
magnet program, she pursued a degree in criminal justice at Illinois State
University. After two years of school, she left to pursue a music career, and
sang backup for Monica.
[edit] Recording career
[edit] Destiny's Child
Main article: Destiny's Child
In late 1999, Williams met Destiny's Child band members Beyoncé Knowles and
Kelly Rowland in the lobby of an Atlanta hotel. Months later Beyoncé asked an
acquaintance if he knew anyone who could sing for a possible spot with the group
DC, and the person referred her to Michelle.
After the much-publicized turmoil, Williams—alongside Farrah Franklin—officially
joined the group in early 2000, replacing LeToya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson
without notice. Buoyed by the group's breakout success, Luckett and Roberson
both had attempted to split with the group's manager in late 1990s, claiming
that he kept a disproportionate share of the band's profits and unfairly favored
to Knowles and Rowland.[7] The issue was heightened after Williams and Franklin
appeared in the video of "Say My Name," implying that the original band members
were already replaced.[7] Eventually, Luckett and Roberson departed; Franklin,
however, faded from the group after five months, as evidenced by her absences
during promotional appearances and concerts. Franklin attributed her departure
to negative vibes in the group resulting from the strife.[7] After settling on
this final lineup, the trio recorded "Independent Women Part I," which appeared
on the soundtrack to the 2000 film Charlie's Angels. It became their
best-charting single yet as it topped the official U.S. singles chart for eleven
consecutive weeks;[7] the success cemented the new lineup and skyrocketed them
to fame.
Following the success of "Independent Women," Williams and Destiny's Child
released the group’s third studio album Survivor. The album was released in May
2001, debuting at number one on U.S. Billboard 200 with 663,000 units sold.[8]
Survivor has sold over ten million copies worldwide, 4.1 million of which were
sold in the U.S. alone.[9] The album's other number-one hits are "Bootylicious"
and the title track "Survivor", the latter of which earned the group a Grammy
Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. After releasing
their holiday album, 8 Days of Christmas, the group announced their temporary
break-up to pursue solo projects.[7] Williams has sold more than 50 million
records worldwide with the group.
[edit] 2002-2003: Solo career and Aida
Main article: Heart to Yours
While Williams was still with Destiny's Child, she intensified work on her debut
solo album Heart to Yours. The album material consisted of collaborations with
singers Carl Thomas, Shirley Caesar and the Mary Mary duo, taking the singer's
work further into urban contemporary gospel and Christian music. "Some people
will do gospel when their career fails, but I chose to do it at the height of
the popularity of Destiny's Child," Williams explained during the album's
release. "And I didn't want to do it because it was a fad. I wanted to do it
because it's in me. It's in my heart."[10] Released on April 16, 2002 in North
America, Williams became the first member of Destiny’s Child to release solo
material with Heart to Yours. The album sold 17,000 copies in its first week,
placing it at number 57 on the Billboard 200, number 3 on the Top Contemporary
Christian tally and on top of the Top Gospel Albums chart.[11] It became the
year's best-selling gospel album and has eventually sold more than 200,000 units
stateside, according to Nielsen SoundScan.[12][13] A music video for the album’s
first and only single, "Heard a Word," was produced by film director Sylvain
White
Following the release and promotion of Heart to Yours, Williams made her
on-stage acting debut in 2003, replacing fellow R&B singer Toni Braxton in the
title role of Aida, the hit Broadway musical with music by Elton John and lyrics
by Tim Rice. She was the first and remains the only Destiny’s Child member to
have acted on Broadway.
[edit] 2004-2005: Destiny Fulfilled, hiatus and Do You Know
Main article: Do You Know
Destiny's Child performing their 2000 hit "Say My Name" during their farewell
concert tour, Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' ItAfter the three-year journey
that involved concentration on individual solo projects, Williams rejoined
Knowles and Rowland for the band's fourth studio album Destiny Fulfilled,
released in November 2004.[7] The album hit number two on the Billboard 200, and
spawned the singles "Lose My Breath", "Soldier", "Girl" and "Cater 2 U".[14] In
support of the album, Destiny's Child embarked on a 2005 Destiny Fulfilled ...
And Lovin' It world tour, which started in April to September of the same year.
On the Barcelona, Spain visit, the group announced their disbandment after their
final North American leg would end.[15][7] In October 2005, the group released a
compilation album, entitled #1's, including all of Destiny's Child's number-one
hits and most of their well-known songs. The greatest hits collection also
includes three new tracks, including the band's final single "Stand Up for
Love", penned by David Foster. Destiny's Child was honored with a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame in March 2006. They were also recognized as the world's
best-selling female group of all time.[16]
During the release of her fellow Destiny's Child members' debut albums Williams
spent time in the studio, recording the new tracks for her second album. The
album saw her generally re-teaming with the majority of the producers and
songwriters from her previous effort, also including Solange Knowles, Dawkins &
Dawkins, and brother Erron Williams. However, released on January 26, 2004 in
the United States, Do You Know reached a disappointing number 120 on the
Billboard 200 chart, barely selling 10,000 copies in its first week;[11] once
again, Williams scored more success on the component charts, where the album
debuted at number 2 on the Top Gospel Albums chart and number 3 on the Top
Christian Albums tally.[12] The album was later re-released, including
previously unreleased songs, to find greater success but did not re-chart; its
same-titled lead single also failed to chart. As of March 2008, Do You Know has
sold about 100,000 copies domestically. She has just been cast in the lead role
of the remake of Foxxy Brown. She beat out Vivica A. Foxx for the part. She will
co-produe the movie and be the executive producer of the soundtrack.[17]
[edit] 2006-2007: Televisions and The Color Purple
Following Destiny's Child's disbandment in early 2006 Williams made her
television debut in the UPN comedy Half & Half, where she played the role of
Naomi, a record company executive who is HIV positive. Later that year, she
appeared as one of the celebrity singers on the FOX reality television show
Celebrity Duets, duetting with actors Alfonso Ribeiro and Jai Rodriguez.
Beginning in April 2007, Williams joined Oprah Winfrey's Chicago-based cast of
the hit Broadway musical The Color Purple for its national tour, starting with
an extended run at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. Williams played the part of
blues singer Shug Avery, which earned her positive reactions.
[edit] 2008 to 2009 onwards: Unexpected and Roxie Hart
"I've been told that's the plan by the folks here at Sony in London. If so, I'm
very excited about that! There's a possibility that I might record some new
tracks for the reissue. I also have a remix album that's completely done, so I
might be able to put some of those tracks on there. The remixes have a lot of
real instruments on them and they offer a jazzy, hip-hoppish take on some of the
songs from the album."
—Michelle Williams said at digtalspy.co.uk
In March 2008, Columbia Records and Music World Entertainment revealed that
Williams will be releasing her third studio album Unexpected on October 7, 2008
in the U.S.[17] The album, which is confirmed to have 13 tracks, involves
production by Stargate, Rico Love, the Heavyweights, Wayne Wilkins, Andrew
Frampton and Soulshock & Karlin, among others. In June 2008, Williams released
"We Break the Dawn" and a remix featuring Flo Rida. The song is hit #1 on the
Hot Dance Club Play and U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Airplay. During the week of
July 11, 2008 We Break The Dawn hit number one on the Hot Dance Airplay charts.
Since the album's recent push back. "The Greatest" has replaced "Stop This Car"
as the anticipated second single release, and will be serviced to mainstream
radio. Meanwhile, "Hello Heartbreak" will be catered to dance clubs. Video for
"The Greatest" was already released and "Hello Heartbreak" in expected to be
released this year. The album gain a favorable reviews from critics, in youtube
all of her song from her album have a positive feed backs. The album is so
totally unexpected many people said. In October 2008, Williams' third album
entered the Billboard chart at #42 and #11 on the component chart of Top R&B/Hip
Hop Albums, with sales of 14,000. The week sales of this current album are not
her worst (these are for her second album Do You Know with opening first week
sales of 10,000 copies).
It's expected that there will be a re-release of the album. Williams confirmed
in a video blog that she and a production team are putting the finishing touches
for a remix version of the album due for release in North America and Asia.[18]
Williams also Confirmed Via Twitter that her album Unexpected will now receive a
full UK re-release and Hello Heartbreak serve as the first official UK single
from the re-release of Unexpected.[19] In July 2009, Williams had confirmed that
the Sony Music (London division) was considering a re-issue of the album so
there could be opportunity to record some new songs. Furthermore she revealed
that the new remixes album is almost complete and puts a hip-hop and/or jazz
spin on some the album's original tracks. She also said that some of the new
remixes could also be released as part of the UK re-issue. [20]
Michelle To Appear In Limited Six-Week Engagement at Cambridge Theatre From July
13 through August 23. Grammy-winning singer, acclaimed actress and Music
World/Columbia Records artist Michelle Williams has landed the coveted role of
murderous chorus girl Roxie Hart in the enormously popular West End production
of "Chicago The Musical". Michelle will appear at the Cambridge Theatre (Earlham
Street, Seven Dials, London WC2) during a limited six-week engagement running
from July 13 through August 23.
"It's a real thrill to be given the opportunity to play Roxie Hart in the West
End's spectacular production of 'Chicago,'" said Michelle Williams. [21]
"She's one of the greatest characters in the history of musical theater and it's
both a challenge and a lot of fun to bring her to life on-stage. I hope that
everyone who comes to the show enjoys it as much as I do, Michelle is a prime
example of an all-round entertainer, she has enjoyed many successes as a music
artist and now theater goers are going to experience her far reaching talents
once again." says Mathew Knowles, President & C.E.O. of Music World
Entertainment
Chicago is the seventh longest-running show in Broadway history and
longest-running Broadway musical revival ever. The West End production which
opened in November 1997 and won the 1998 Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical
is the longest running Broadway musical ever to play in London. As one of the
few African-American actresses to play Roxie Hart and the first in the West
End's 12-year-run, Michelle Williams joins an illustrious roster of previous
stars including Ruthie Henshall, Brooke Shields, Tina Arena, Denise Van Outen,
Ashlee Simpson, Lisa Rinna, Robin Givens, Melanie Griffith and Bebe Neuwirth.
It's also said that the Chicago play will extend. Williams will continue playing
the coveted role of murderous chorus girl Roxie Hart in the enormously popular
West End production of "Chicago The Musical". Michelle will appear for three
additional weeks at the Cambridge Theatre (Earlham Street, Seven Dials, London
WC2) for an extended engagement starting August 23 through September 12, 2009.
[22]
[edit] Philanthropy
In 2001, Williams gave $100,000 to her church, St. Paul Church of God in Christ
in Rockford, Illinois to finish construction of the church's school, St. Paul
Academy. The church is pastored by her uncle, Bishop James E. Washington.
Songwriter David Foster and his daughter Amy Foster-Gillies wrote Destiny's
Child's last single "Stand Up For Love" for World Children's Day (an event which
takes place annually around the world on November 20 to raise awareness and
funds for children's causes worldwide). Over the past three years, more than $50
million has been raised to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities and other
children's organizations. Destiny's Child lent their voices and support as
global ambassadors for the 2005 program. In this role, Knowles, Rowland and
Williams visited Ronald McDonald Houses around the world during their Destiny
Fulfilled...and Lovin' It World Tour and donated a portion of their North
American ticket sales to Ronald McDonald House Charities.
On September 19, 2006, Williams jump-started the Chicago PepsiCo S.M.A.R.T.
program to promote active, healthy lifestyles by building a new Smart Spot
playground on Chicago's South Side. Williams, along with friend Lance Bass, was
on hand to sing to and greet kids at the opening of Camp Heartland, a camp
dedicated to helping kids suffering from HIV/AIDS enjoy life and take their mind
off their illness.
In 2006 the Chicago Sky, a team in the Women's National Basketball Association,
announced that Williams, along with Mathew Knowles, is part of a group of
minority shareholder owners in the team.
[edit] Discography
Main article: Michelle Williams discography
Heart to Yours (2002)
Do You Know (2004)
Unexpected (2008)
[edit] Acting
Theatre
Year Title Role
2003 Aida (Broadway) Aida
2007 The Color Purple (Tour) Shug Avery
2009 Chicago (West End in London) Roxie Hart
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2006 Half & Half Naomi Dawson Three episodes
2008 So You Think You Can Dance Herself All episodes
MTV's Top Pop Group Judge All episodes
2009 RuPaul's Drag Race Judge Second episode
2009 Gospel Dream Judge All episodes
[edit] Awards and nominations
Year Category Recording Result
MOBO Awards
2002 Best New Artist "Heart to Yours" Won
Best Gospel Act "Do You Know" Won
18th Annual NAACP Theatre Awards
2008 Lead Female Actress "The Color Purple" Won
The 2008 NewNowNext Awards
2008 Best R&B Vocal Performance By a Female Artist "We Break The Dawn" Won
[edit] References
1.^ "Sony BMG Music. Retrieved December 28, 2006
2.^ Williams In A Dance Mood On Third Solo Disc
3.^ Billboard- Updated Album Charts from the most Trusted Music Magazine
4.^ http://www.michellewilliamsonline.com/news/michelle-williams-lands-starring-role-as-roxie-hart-in-london-west-end-production-of-chicago
5.^ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a162286/michelle-williams.html
6.^ https://twitter.com/teemwilliams/status/2409156257
7.^ a b c d e f g Kaufman, Gil ((2005-06-13)). "Destiny's Child's Long Road To
Fame (The Song Isn't Called 'Survivor' For Nothing)". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1504044/20050613/destinys_child.jhtml.
Retrieved 2008-04-13.
8.^ Todd, Martens ((2003-07-02)). "Beyonce, Branch Albums Storm The Chart".
Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1926761.
Retrieved 2008-04-01.
9.^ Carpenter, Troy ((2003-10-22)). "Destiny's Child Slapped With Infringement
Suit". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc.). http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2007671.
Retrieved 2008-04-01.
10.^ ""Heart to Heart"". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1464016.
Retrieved 2008-04-28.
11.^ a b ""Ask Billboard: Another Child of Destiny"". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2093469.
Retrieved 2008-04-28.
12.^ a b ""Studio Album From Grammy-Winning Musical Artist Michelle Williams"".
d210. http://www.d210.tv/studio-album-from-grammy-winning-musical-artist-michelle-williams/.
Retrieved 2008-04-28.
13.^ ""Michelle Williams Back in the 'Know'"". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2065642.
Retrieved 2008-04-28.
14.^ Whitmire, Margo ((2004-11-24)). "Eminem Thankful To Remain No. 1".
Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc). http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000726418.
Retrieved 2008-04-01.
15.^ Cohen, Jonathan ((2005-06-12)). "Destiny's Child To Split After Fall Tour".
Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc). http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000955328.
Retrieved 2008-04-01.
16.^ "Beyonce Knowles". TIME. http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/time100walkup/article/0,28804,1611030_1610841_1609748,00.html.
Retrieved 2008-04-12.
17.^ a b ""Williams In A Dance Mood On Third Solo Disc"". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/search/google/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003728950.
Retrieved 2008-04-28.
18.^ http://neonlimelight.com/2009/01/13/video-blog-goodness-michelle-williams-talks-unexpected-remix-album-lashes-out-at-haters/
19.^ https://twitter.com/teemwilliams/status/2359081510
20.^ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a162286/michelle-williams.html
21.^ http://www.michellewilliamsonline.com/news/michelle-williams-lands-starring-role-as-roxie-hart-in-london-west-end-production-of-chicago
22.^ http://www.michellewilliamsonline.com/news/michelle-williams-run-as-roxie-hart-chicago-the-musical-extended
[edit] External links
Official website
Michelle Williams at the Internet Movie Database
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