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10 Questions with ... Diamond Williams
April 7, 2009
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NAME:Diamond WilliamsTITLE:Vocalist/percussionistBAND:The Original Ohio PlayersBORN:Dayton, OhioRAISED:Dayton, Ohio
1. Please outline your career so far:
I got my first job in the music business when I was 16 years old. I used to sit in, playing drums with a little jazz group on certain holidays like Valentine's Day or New Year's Eve and pick up $40 on the side. For a 16-year-old kid, this was pretty good.
2. Who were some of your early influences?
My early influencers were varied, but certainly include artists such as Sly Stone, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones and Marvin Gaye
3. What led you to a career in music?
I always wanted to be part of the music business, then I got with the Ohio Players. They were the first professional band. I received a music scholarship from Kentucky State. I really thought I was going to go into music education and become a music teacher. I never thought I'd spend my life in the studio and out on the road playing music and traveling the county and the world.
4. Was there a defining moment the made you realize "this is it"?
The defining moment came for me when I was on the road with the Ohio Players within the first three or four months and the song "Me and Mrs. Jones" by Billy Paul came on the radio everywhere. That was the first time that I realized what a hit record was. I set my sights and thoughts right then on wanting to get a hit record, too.
If you were just starting out in music, knowing now what you didn't then, would you still do it?
The gift of music and my desire to play the drums have provided me more opportunities and dreams than one can imagine. This business has afforded me the opportunity to publish music for lifetimes to come. So the answer is overwhelmingly, yes.
5. Where do you see yourself and the industry five years from now?
Hopefully, playing and recording music for new generations.
6. How you feel about artists in general?
I think all artists are hams by nature, so I enjoy entertaining and being in front of people. Every day provides a new opportunity for me to meet new people and see new places and do things. You never know what's going to happen over the horizon or around the next mountain. That's very exciting to me.
7. What are some of the biggest changes you've observed in music today?
The biggest change I think that has happened in the industry is watching the '70s music coming back. All around the world radio has gone back to the listening to and enjoying the music of the '60s and '70s and '80s. That to me has been the biggest change.
8. What do you like most about your life and being a professional musician?
I absolutely love going out on the road. I like everything except having to pack and unpack. The fan base is absolutely overwhelming. We have kids who are listening to our music now from the age of five all the way up to 95. That is just great.
9. What's currently going on for you and the Ohio Players?
We are currently in the process of recording a new album right now. We don't have a title yet. We also plan to tour based on our history. We have quite a history as far as recording and touring is concerned, so our touring won't just be based on the new songs. I hope to have fans who have lasted throughout the '70s will continue to come out and support the band.
10. Of all the skills that you have developed throughout the years is there one you would like to improve on?
I would like to be better and reading and understanding recording contracts and other legal documents. I would like to know more about this business of music that continues to be one my greatest desires and areas that I would like to learn more about.
Bonus Questions
What current artists do you like to listen to and admire?
I enjoy listening to the music of Erika Badu, Musiq Soulchild, Alisha Keys and Mint Condition, just to name a few.
Describe your favorite meal?
I like porterhouse steak, baked potato, a tossed salad, dinner rolls, Pepsi-cola and a nice comfortable chair to lay back in when I finish my meal.
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