ABOUT ME

While most artists try to land a record deal as soon as they set foot in Nashville, Sarah Williams spent seven years focusing on developing her jazz vocal chops and songwriting skills before releasing her debut album, Ruby, co-produced by Chris Cottros (bandleader for platinum-selling country artist Terri Clark).

The Virginia native first showed signs of a musical gift when her mother noticed her tinkering on the piano at age 6. At 8, Williams began taking formal lessons and performed at family gatherings, school and church throughout her school years. She moved to Nashville in 2002 to study classical piano at Vanderbilt University’s prestigious Blair School of Music—and pursue her dream of becoming a country star. At Blair, her unique voice caught the attention of Marion James, known as “Nashville’s Queen of the Blues,” as well as critically-acclaimed vocal coach Ron Browning. The two worked with Williams to shape a uniquely flawless sound that takes it cues from jazz, pop and R&B.

Soon, Williams began performing with several Big Bands and was honored as the featured performer for the Nashville Jazz Workshop.

An accomplished pianist, Williams opened her own piano studio after several years of teaching at both the Blair School of Music and Belmont University. She also serves as the keyboard player and backup singer for the Bridge Band at Woodmont Christian Church, whose services are broadcast nationwide.

However, inspired by singer-songwriters like Gregg Allman and Bonnie Raitt, Williams has found a new love in songwriting. She used her journals, songbooks and notepads as raw material in crafting the songs for Ruby, a collection of retro pop tunes that marries Williams’ eclectic musical background with honest, romantic lyrics.