With a voice as soothing as a cool summer breeze and as comforting as a loving embrace, you will be gently glided from song to song by a voice that is incredibly smooth as it is inviting.
"Force Of Will" is a seduction of William's soulful interpretations and brilliant vocal arrangements that will hypnotically caress you and have you falling in Love over and over again.
Detroit born, bred and raised, you find yourself reminiscing of the days of Motown and the invitingly sensuous vocal styling of William Russ Jr.
William began his love and appreciation for music while attending Cooley High School by singing at his home church, Hartford Memorial Baptist Church. Singing in the youth choir under the direction of Lorenzo Turner, William was invited to sing in other choirs around Detroit including the Edwin Hawkins Music and Arts Seminar Mass Choir, under the direction of the late Thomas Whitfield. After High School, William went on to college and joined the Oakland University Gospel Choir under the direction of Byron Cage. After college, William served 5 years in the U.S. Army and is a veteran of the war in Desert Storm. During his enlistment, while serving in Holland, The Netherlands, William was able to perform across Europe with local Dutch bands. Upon returning to the States, it was in picturesque Monterey, California that William started collaborating with best friend and writing partner, Lonnie English.
It was through these opportunities that William learned to not only hone his lead vocal skills, but his background vocals, writing, vocal arrangement and production skills. William not going unnoticed, he was requested to join a collaboration where he wrote, arranged and performed the soundtrack for the television documentary "Just Because", directed by Scott Evers, for NBC affiliate KSBW Channel 8.
William had the opportunity and privilege to work with the incredibly multifaceted musician and friend, David Bryce (www.cdbaby.com/bryce). William blended vocals and vocal arrangement to the song "Tapdancer" on the David Bryce album "Ultra Maroon". Check it out right here at CDBaby!
You can also hear William's vocals and vocal arrangements with friend and New Orleans talent, Elio Schiavo. The album is entitled "Child Of Orbit" and you can check it out on Amazon.Com.
Because of his many talents, William has been asked to perform as the opening act for groups such as: Brian McKnight, Ray Charles, Mariah Carey, Michael Bolton, Clay Walker, Huey Lewis, Glen Campbell, The Temptations, SWV, Jon Secada, Nona Gaye, Atlantic Starr, Jody Watley, Hi-Five, Shanice, Tracey Spencer, Tag Team, Maxi Priest, SILK, SHAI, Trey Lorenz, Nia Peeples, Sir Mix-A-Lot, and Michelle Shocked to name a few.
William has had the privilege to work with accomplished Los Angeles Producer/Songwriter Mr. Arvel McClinton III, who has completed tracks for Brandy, LL Cool J, Lalah Hathaway, Something For The People, VYBE, II D Extreme, Shanice, Gerald Albright and Eric Benet to name a few.
William has often been compared to some the greatest soul singers for his unique interpretations and soulful delivery, such as Donny Hathaway, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Peabo Bryson and Bill Withers.
With his positive attitude, energy and charming personality, William is destined to bring the music industry to its feet in applause!!
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