Vesta Williams
Extending a tradition that stretches from Aretha Franklin to Sara Vaughn, singer, songwriter, Vesta masterminds a soulful mix of musical eras and genres. A versatile performer, Vesta’s talents extend from comedy to song. Since recording her first album, Vesta has become known not only as a true singer, but also as something of a comedienne. Countless appearances on the Arsenio Hall show as well as a week-long stint as sole host of BET’s popular Video Soul program, allowed viewers a chance to experience her musical talents as well as her skills as a stand up comic and consummate impersonator.
Striving to include acting in her multi-faceted career, Vesta won critical raves as the saloon singer in the celebrated Mario Van Peebles film POSSE. “I’ve always felt that to deliver a song successfully, you have to be an actress. A good actress becomes the part, just as a good singer becomes the song.” Her role in POSSE came about after Van Peebles was indirectly introduced to her considerable comic ability, something Vesta’s concert audience were familiar with already. For POSSE, she has just the kind of sexy Mae West vibe Van Peebles was looking for. She also ended up writing and performing two songs for the POSSE soundtrack, Tell Me and Ride For Your Life. “Mario gave me a wonderful opportunity” Vesta admits. Casting directors from the TV medium have also tapped into Vesta’s comic timing and acting ability, casting her in such popular TV sitcomes as Sister Sister. On Sister Sister Vesta played the recurring role of Monica, Jackee Harry’s best friend.
Vesta is constantly reinventing herself. As a result of her determinations and commitment to herself, she has lost over 100 pounds. The still sexy vibrant singer point out, “I’m the same girl, ain’t nothing changed but the dress size.” The multi-talented recording artist, songwriter, producer, and actress has added radio personality to her diverse career. She is currently a member of Dallas Ft. Worth based radio station 105.7 KRNB. Hosting the morning show with four other air personalities. “This is a wonderful opportunity. I’m looking forward to doing my thing and having a great time.”
Vesta continues to enjoy a flourishing career as a recording artist. She is presently in the studio working on new material for her next project. Vesta’s most current recording is entitled Relationships which consist of ten original songs Vesta wrote as well as a cover of her favorite Stevie Wonder classic You And I. " I wrote from the heart for this project. It’s all about me and the relationships I’ve been in and everything I’ve learned." Joining Vesta on Relationships are a cast of renowned R&B and jazz musicians including guitarist producer Lee Ritenour, drummer Harvey mason, saxophonist Gerald Albright and pianist Russell Ferrante. Also on hand to lend their production skills are Barry Eastmond, Travon Potts, Derrick Edmondson and Myron McKinley.
Vesta has recorded several successful albums, which have yielded such hits as Once Bitten Twice Shy, Don’t You Blow and It’s You off the Vesta CD. Special and Person to Person off the Special CD and Always off the Everything-N-More CD. It is however the Vesta4U CD that to date contains songs that will forever be synonymous with Vesta. The hits include the number one singles Sweet Sweet Love and the number one single and video Congratulations.
A prolific songwriter, Vesta has collaborated on pervious albums with Chuckii Booker and Brian McKnight as well as lending her backing vocials to such powerhouses as Chaka Kahn, Anita Baker, Sting, David Benoit, Gladys Knight, Bobby Womack, The Commodores, Jermaine Jackson, and The Jackson just to name a few. Even before her No.1 smash single and video Congratulations Vesta’s voice was familiar to radio listeners through jingles for Diet Coke, Revlon, Exxon, Nike/Air Jordan and Baskin Robbins Ice Cream. In addition, she recorded an original composition entitled Bless This Child which appears on the Mother & Child Christmas album for IRS Records. This project contains such artists as CeCe Winans, Amy Grant, Martina McBride, Olivia Newton-John, Shanice Wilson, and others.
Vesta had the pleasure of being asked by Lee Ritenour and Nathan East, of the fabulous Jazz group Fourplay, to go out on tour with them. The Fourplay tour was on the road for over a month, during which time Vesta received rave reviews for her performance. McDonalds was so impressed with Vesta’s jazz chops that she recorded a sing-along with Al Jarreau on their National McDonalds TV and radio commercial The Big Mac Scat.
Vesta’s vocal talent has been admired and sought after by many of her peers. Aside from her own recordings Vesta can be heard on Will Downing’s current CD, Sensual Journey. The most recent Full Force CD Float On, Norman Brown’s Celebration CD in which Vesta is featured on Rain. Vesta was also selected by the renowned George Duke to perform the theme song for the UPN comedy Malcolm & Eddie. That same song It’s Our World appeared on George Duke’s Is Love Enough CD. Some of Vesta’s other guest appearances include David Benoit’s cover of After The Love Is Gone a song she sang with Phil Perry. Eric Marientha’s cover of Until You Come Back To Me on his Easy Street CD, Or So You Thought on Christian McBride’s A Family Affair CD and I’ll Be Good To You on Najee’s Tokyo Blue CD.
Vesta’s music exudes a soulfulness that is rare in popular artists of this generation, recalling an era when singers grew up on gospel, blues, jazz, and funk. Vesta reaches the standard brand of pop/oul and brings a genuine passion for improvisation to her songs.
