Album Notes

With an athletic physique that will command your attention, your first impression will be that this individual is the bodyguard not the entertainer. However, once you hear his singing and composing abilities there will be no confusion who this personable, humble, and dynamic talent is.

Meet DERRICK WILLIAMS, singer, songwriter, pianist, and producer, a confident yet humble talent that has all of the elements of a great entertainer. His unique styles consist of eloquent vocals layered over an extraordinary blend of Contemporary Gospel, Jazz, Rock, and Soulful music - accentuated with dazzling piano and creative accompanying instrumentation. Inspired by legendary greats such as: Oscar Peterson, Pattie Labelle, and Stevie Wonder- this talent promises to be one of the industries most dominant male vocalist for the new century. If you had to compare this rising vocalist to an industry talent–justice could only be served by paralleling him with some of the industries, most dominate forces! I guess you could say he's a unique balance between the robust vocalization of Teddy Pentagrass and the vocal magnitude of Pattie Labelle.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, this gifted musical talent was discovered at the age of five. Never having studied music professionally, at the age of eight, he began singing and playing the piano for a Sunday school service. His inspiring Gospel roots propelled him to excel in music via high school choirs–thus winning multiple talent contests and awards during his adolescent years. His first gig was in Florida with a five-piece band–singing lead vocals to 50s and 60's tunes, while playing the keyboards. "The Jury," an appropriate name for a band which appeared nightly at the Judges' Chambers gave Derrick the foundation he needed to become one of Florida's most versatile entertainers. He has a hard earned reputation for both excellence and perfection and only employs Florida's premier seasoned Jazz musicians to accompany him on stage.

With aspirations of exposing his music to the world, Derrick founded Derlie Records, Inc. (pronounced "Deer-Lee"), an independent recording label company, based in Tampa, Florida. As CEO and President of Derlie Records, Derrick is in charge of the label's Creative Services Department, creating an avenue to independently showcase his explosive song writing and producing skills–while maintaining his creative control. Derrick's success as the label's debut artist has helped establish the label's reputation and has opened doors for the company in both the recording and entertainment industries. His goal for his record company is to sign a production deal with a larger independent or major record label enabling his music to be distributed both nationally and internationally - reaching a larger market and audience sometimes difficult to reach with a smaller independent label.

Derrick will celebrate this holiday season with the release of his Gospel CD I'LL GO, released on his independent recording label company. The CD offers an electrifying combination of Contemporary Gospel, Jazz, Rock, and Soul, and features his hit Christmas single, "It's About You." This CD promises to deliver a new caliber of entertainment with a wealth of creativity and originality!

Williams was inspired to write the CD on September 12, 2001, not only as a testimony of his faith, but to offer a spirit of light, encouragement, hope, and comfort to the world, as it mourned the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The concept of the CD was derived from the first track titled, I'll Go, which is a powerful and inspirational Rock and soulful song written and inspired by the biblical scripture, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." Isaiah 6:8. The second track on the CD is a Christmas song titled "It's About You." Derrick wanted to write a Christmas song that would remind us of the true meaning of December 25 and that Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, is the reason for the season. In the song, Williams writes the lyrics, you're the reason for the season, Happy Birthday, some miss the meaning and just don't know what to celebrate. Here's my gift, a birthday song for you, like a little drummer boy I want to sing and play for you. It's about you, born on this day, it's about you, showing us a better way. Lord if I may, wish you Happy Birthday, Lord it's about you . . . I'll GO is available on a compact disc this Christmas both in stores and online at www.derlierecords.com, December 6, 2002.

Williams continues to perform to support sales of his compact discs, as well as, managing the Creative Services Department of his record label, Derlie Records, Inc. When not performing or recording, this multi-talented CEO can be found performing with the Off-Broadway Gospel musical, "The Rock and the Rabbi." As the originator of the role of "The Rabbi," Williams joined the cast in 98', lending his operatic voice, consisting of five vocal octaves, to the show's sensational musical score. The musical dramatically acquaints its audience with a very "old Story"-- about the compelling relationship between Peter, a fisherman, and Jesus of Nazareth. The show made its debut locally at one of the nation's premier world class performing arts venues, Ruth Eckerd Hall. Since then, Derrick has been touring the country with the musical for the past five years. The "Rock and the Rabbi" has been showcased at prestigious venues around the country such as: The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, The Lamb's Theater, New York, Universal Studios' Hard Rock Live, the historical Barter Theater, and the Ryman Auditorium, original home of the "Grand Ole Opry"– which has its historical roots in Nashville, Tennessee.

Whether you're listening to his upbeat dance rhythms, melodic ballads, or spiritual Gospel music, DERRICK WILLIAMS epitomizes the revolution of the MUSIC MILLENNIUM and the 2000 sound!