New Artist Spotlight: Heather Lynn Williams
By Gary Voorhies
© 2005 CMA Close Up News Service / Country Music Association, Inc.
Born in Orlando, Fla., and raised in Augusta, Mo., Heather Lynn Williams had won more than 200 trophies in dance competitions by the time she was 10.
At 12, she shifted her focus to singing, and traveled the eastern United States to participate in singing and karaoke contests.
Williams, who cites Ray Charles, Patsy Cline, Celine Dion and Martina McBride as major musical influences, moved to Nashville in 2001 to work full time on her music career. She signed to Roundabout Records and in September 2005, the label released her first album, Collections, self-produced with Buzzy Orange. It features a mix of Country, pop, blues and bluegrass styles that reflect Williams' interest in a wide range of genres.
IN HER OWN WORDS:
Who is your dream duet partner? "Ray Charles."
Which song would you secretly like to cover?
"'Hurt So Bad,' performed by Susan Tedeshi."
What book is on your nightstand?
"My grandmother's Bible."
What do you sing in the shower?
"'Hero' written by Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff."
What is your pet peeve?
"People driving too closely behind."
What actor would portray you in a biopic about your life?
"Drew Barrymore."
What moment in your life would you relive if you could?
"The excitement of the day that my parents adopted my two little sisters."
What word or phrase do you find yourself saying over
"Practice makes permanent, perfect practice makes perfect."
Do you have a lucky charm?
"An Irish Luck Ring, and a Butterfly Necklace I never leave the house without."
Which mode of transportation do you prefer - planes, trains or automobiles?
"I prefer automobiles."
Who is your dream duet partner?
"I would have to say Elton John."
If you wrote an autobiography, what would the title be?
"They Said It Couldn't Be Done, by Heather Lynn Williams. (Would You Like Fries With That)?"
When they look back on your life in 50 years, what do you hope people say about you?
"That I was a very caring person and music was her life and her life was giving to others."
January 10, 2006
© Gloria Barnes
