The O'Jays Press Release

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         July 12, 2012                         

Contact: Donnell Clarke:

office 202-723-2200                                                                                                                     

cell 202-758-8731

WALTER WILLIAMS, SR., CO-FOUNDER AND CO-LEAD SINGER

OF THE LEGENDARY O’JAYS TO RELEASE

“GET YOUR FEET OFF MY CADILLAC”

CD FEATURES MR. WILLIAMS SINGING TIMELESS CLASSICS

                              (Cleveland, OH) – Co-founder and Co-lead singer of The O’Jays, Walter Williams, Sr. has completed his much anticipated solo project “Get Your Feet Off My Cadillac”. 

Walter Williams, Sr. has delivered iconic recorded performances and chart topping Soul/R&B hits as a member of the legendary R&B group "The O'Jays" for an unprecedented 54 years. During the later years of the O'Jays distinguished career The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer had planned on releasing a solo project. Walter considered different standards trying to find the perfect blend of classics that would be the right fit for his gifted voice. It took a number of years but the time has finally arrived and Walter Williams "Get Your Feet Off My Cadillac" is now complete.

“In 2009, I completed my first solo CD, ‘Exposed’”, states Mr. Williams. “Well, anxious to find out what people thought, I did a limited release on the internet and made the CD available at certain events that I attended. Everyone seemed to love it.  I thought, this is it, I have created a Classic! As proud as I am when I show one of my classic Cadillac’s, I presented my masterpiece to executives in the Music Industry! The syndicated Disc Jockeys told me that “The album was good, but it was not something that they could play for their listeners”. Well I listened to all the opinions and advice from different experts and I have made some significant changes. I think I’ve found what I consider to be a great collection of classics and truly believed that I could do them justice in the studio. Well, I think I have and I hope that the listeners think so too!”

Walter Williams delivers soulful takes on such standards as Bill Withers R&B classic "Ain't No Sunshine", "My Way" popularized by Frank Sinatra (with backing vocals from Eddie Levert), the jazz standard "Nature Boy" (originally recorded by Nat King Cole) and many more.  This set also includes the single "There’s No Doubt" written by Mr. Williams. 

A native of Canton, OH, Walter Williams, Sr. began his musical career at McKinley High School in Canton where in 1958 he teamed up with his best friend Eddie Levert and began singing gospel on a Canton Ohio radio station. Walter and Eddie were joined by three high school buddies, William Powell, Bobby Massey and Bill Isles and formed the group the “Triumphs”, which was renamed “The Mascots” and then finally “The O'Jays", in tribute to radio disc jockey Eddie O'Jay. Although The O’Jays have changed members throughout the years, the founders and lead singers Walter and Eddie have remained constant with Walter providing the smooth lead vocals while Eddie provides the harsher deeper toned lead.

In 2003, while appearing in the movie “The Fighting Temptations”, Mr. Williams teamed up with Beyonce Knowles, recording the duet, “He Still Loves Me”, as part of the movie’s soundtrack. Among his many awards and recognitions, Walter Williams, Sr. was inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 and most recently awarded The BET Lifetime Achievement Award. The O’Jays will spend the summer of 2012 touring with Pattie Labelle, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Tank. The ‘Summer Music Festival 2012’ tour will visit over 15 cities throughout the summer.

For more info on Walter Williams, Sr. (including samples): Visit www.walterwilliamssr.com or www.facebook.com/walterwilliamssr .

To secure review copies, interviews or inquiries: Contact Don Clarke of Clarke & Associates, LLC @ Tel. 202-758-8731 or dsclarke@aol.com .

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