Iconic 4X Grammy Award Winner and 12X Grammy Nominee, Deniece Williams enjoying an amazing and versatile five-decade career is enjoying sweet success with her new single, “When You Love Somebody” from the forthcoming album release, Gemini. True to the album title, Gemini showcases two sides of Niecy — from sizzling jazz inflections to irresistible R&B grooves. Indeed, the album is a remarkable addition to the singer’s legacy of critically acclaimed albums that move the spirit and stir the soul. This infectious new single “When You Love Somebody,” a happy upbeat song celebrating love is quickly climbing up the charts at radio stations throughout the nation.
During the recent Black Lives Matter Protests, her single, “Black Butterfly” was selected as one of the Top 10 Black Empowerment Songs of All Time by veteran music writer Chuck Arnold of The New York Post. Williams music spans generations and recognized along with music idols Beyonce, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson & more.
FWM: During the recent Black Lives Matter Protests, veteran music writer Chuck Arnold of the New York Post selected your song, Black Butterfly as one of the Top 10 Black Empowerment Songs of All Time. What is it about your song that resonates with the heart and souls of others?
When I first heard Black Butterfly I knew that I had to sing that song. I sent such an incredible pull on my heart. It thought about my grandparents and all that they had gone through. I thought about my parents and the injustices they had experienced; I thought about my upbringing in Indiana, a Jim Crow state. I thought about my four sons and what they would go through as young black men. Almost 30-40 years later I am honored that the message is still relevant today (unfortunately) as it was then!
You’ve had an illustrious career of performing with musical legends Stevie Wonder, Johnny Mathis, Minnie Riperton, and Roberta Flack. Tell us about working with these wonderful people.
Stevie Wonder: We would go on stage to perform with Stevie and suddenly he’d start writing a new song and we’d have to jump in quickly and act as though we knew the song so he taught me how to move with the flow of creativity
Johnny Mathis: he taught me that no matter how successful you become stay humble, he taught me humility
Minnie Riperton: she taught me that singing with the birds is fun!
Roberta: taught me that everyone in your band or group is so important and to treat them as such.
Tell us about your highly-anticipated new album, Gemini.
My new project is entitled “Gemini”. It’s an overview of who I am as an artist. It has
R & B, POP/GOSPEL and JAZZ songs on it. It truly encompasses who I am as an artist.
Your new single, “When you Love Somebody,” is a happy upbeat song celebrating love and is quickly climbing up the charts at radio stations throughout the nation. Why is this song a favorite for fans?
I believe that we need something “upbeat and positive” at this moment. We’re in a strange place now not only in the United States but in the world itself. I choose to put a smile and your face and cause you to dance and to love more and I believe people feel that or want to feel that when they hear When You Love Somebody!
Williams latest single, “When You Love Somebody,” is available now on all music streaming platforms. Her forthcoming album, Gemini features esteemed producers Harvey Mason Jr., Emile Ghantous, Greg Manning and a special guest performance by Grammy Award Winner saxophonist, Gerald Albright.
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