Markees Williams is a big fan of old school, down-home gospel songs. Although he’s only 30-years-old, he describes himself as having a “traditional core, with some contemporary flavor.”
Combining both qualities in his music has resulted in Williams attracting a broad audience from young adults to seniors that flock to his appearances. In fact, his album release concert last month at New Hope Baptist Church in Los Angeles drew hundreds of people of all ages.
His popularity is not surprising considering that Williams has been a popular guest at Southern California churches for more than a decade. But, in the last few years, his career reached another level as he began opening for national artists such as Le’Andria Johnson, Wess Morgan, James Fortune and Donnie McClurkin. His spirited repertoire features traditional lyrics delivered in an upbeat, contemporary style.
Explaining his attraction to traditional gospel, Williams said, “I am a church kid and grew up at Evening Star Missionary Baptist Church. I just love music and the old traditional songs give you a soul-moving feeling and not just send you on an emotional rollercoaster. We turn to the traditional songs to pull us through.”
Williams, who began singing at the age of 7, credits his mother and grandmother for influencing his music ministry and keeping him close to God. His mother was his greatest supporter and when she passed away earlier this year, Williams relied on the things she taught him to deal with her loss.
“My ministry took on a whole different role and her passing just inspired me even more to keep God first and to continue to inspire others through song,” said Williams, who definitely uplifts and reassures listeners in his new single, “Yes, He Did It.”
As for the future, Williams hopes to add a teaching and preaching component to his ministry. A licensed and ordained minister, he wants to preach the Gospel of Christ as well as sing about the goodness of God.
Williams believes that applying Psalm 34:1-4 to all of his activities is the key to staying grounded and focused as he woks to build his ministry.
“It’s my favorite scripture because it describes who I am and what I do when troubles rise,” said Williams. “I love to bless God no matter what or where I am. David said, ‘I will bless the Lord at all times.’ That means when it’s good and even when it’s all bad and that is me all day long.”
He added, “I’m also so thankful to Rhonda Love for her management and Greg Johnson and KJLH for being the first mainstream radio station to put me in full rotation.”
Markees Williams’ music is available at on all digital outlets and at all of his live events.
