Lester Jerome Williams was named after the late great Lester Young , who is considered by many to be one of the greatest saxophone players of all time. Les' father , Henry Williams saw Young perform in a nightclub in Detroit ; Henry was so mesmerized by his performance that he vowed to name his first son after him. Henry kept his promise.
When Les was nine his parents bought their first home, which ironically came furnished with a piano... the legacy began. Young Lester was captivated by this instrument. He stayed up day and night practicing, learning how to make it sing. His first major accomplishment on the piano was when he taught himself to play "Silent Night", complete with the bass line, cords and melody, just in time for the holidays in only three months .From then on it became his passion. As Les perfected his piano skills , he also learned to play the bass and lead guitar , not to mention his ability to sing. He was an undiscovered talent in the city of Detroit, but not for long.
By age fourteen , Les was working professionally with Motown's Holidays , Edwin Starr and the Contours. That was just for starters. Not long after, Mr. Williams worked with some of the biggest names in R&B music at that time including: Chuck Jackson , Al Hudson and One Way, Phyllis Hyman , Michael Henderson , Jerome Rimson , Ray Parker Jr., Al Green, John Lee Hooker, the Spinners , Funkadelics , Dramatics and the Dells. Just to name a few. While performing with the Spinners the legendary band leader Maurice King said to Micheal Jackson one night in Vegas that he was one of the best keyboard player the Spinners ever had.
After years of touring the Continental U.S., Africa , and Europe with various singers and musicians, Les decided to exercise his musical talents in a different manner. He went into advertisement, focusing on writing jingles , and copy. He make history when wrote and produced the first AIDS awareness jingle for the Michigan Department of Public Heath. Additionally , he produced commercial jingles for Cheerios , Honeynut Cheerios , Pop Secret Popcorn , Sibley Shoes , The Michigan Lottery , Crissman Cadillac , Joe Dumars and Dark & Lovely just to name a few. He made history again in Feburay of 05 being the first to write and produce the the first Black History Month radio spots for the Michigan Lotttery. The passion for music still burns deep within Lester Williams. He has continues to display is musical abilities as a minister of music for the Lutheran, Unity, and the Baptist churches of Detroit. He performed for the G7 convention held at the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit's Mayor's ball for Dennis Archer, and Ford Field. He is a regular at The Hollywood Brown Derby in Detroit , The Alley Grille , Detroit Athletic Club , MGM , Motor City , and Greektown Casinos , and most of the top Country Clubs in Michigan.
Les' first solo CD is the culmination of 40 years of hard work and dedication to his craft. His CD entitled "Les Roll" explodes with excitement and energy from the first drum pick up on "Choo Choo Cha Boogie" to the big band ending on the "Big Dipper". It's music that everyone can enjoy. This CD is a unique blend of vintage Jazz , Blues , Dixieland , Rock & Roll , Salsa and Funk. Accompanied by an array of top musicians, this record displays Lester's versatility. Selections include "Route 66", "St. Louis Woman", and the inspirational song "I believe In You". Les, born and raised in the city that is the birthplace of Motown , and has acted as a second home to Jazz , is determined to be a prominent name in the music industry.
For more information, please log on to lestetwilliam@sbcglobal.net
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