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Described by the Huffington Post as having “the heart of Bob Marley, soul of Sam Cooke and
grit of Etta James”, “The Empress Of Storytelling”, Cole Williams is a Brooklyn-born,
multidisciplinary artist (singer/songwriter, composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, WWOZ
radio host, and organizer) based in New Orleans. Williams is in the vanguard of a powerful
movement of direct action that has rooted her message in the tradition of Gil Scott-Heron,
creating powerful songs of love and humanity that reflect the everyday experiences and hopes of
The Unhoused.
With classic soul and gospel as her vocal canvas, Cole’s ability truly shines when creating a
unique vocal landscape, melding the tapestry of soul, jazz, funk, and R&B. Over the course of
her career, Cole has provided vocals and percussion for Joey Bada$$, Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam,
The Cole Williams Band, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Somi, Pimps Of Joytime and
Nickodemus to name a few.
William's vocal performances have been featured on CoverGirl, and JCPenney: and tv shows as
prominent as Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, and The Jools Holland
Show. Publications include Rolling Stone Magazine, and Huffington Post, and was nominated
for Best Female Vocalist by Offbeat Magazine in 2017.
Cole hosts, “Music And Action: House The Houseless”, a monthly social justice podcast with
her label, Ropeadope Records, and is the founder and lead organizer with The Greater New
Orleans Citizens Relief Team. Williams’ live performance highlights include The New Orleans
Jazz and Heritage Festival, Joshua Tree Music Festival, World Cafe Live, BAM Cafe Live, and
Blue Note NYC.
