Quick Facts
Biography
Gary Williams (15 December 1970) is a jazz singer, writer and broadcaster described by the London Evening Standard as "the UK's leading standard-bearer for the supercool era". His performances include concerts, cabaret shows and theatre. Williams has recorded eight albums and written 'Cabaret Secrets', a book on stagecraft.
Early life
Gary Williams was born in Grimsby, England. Soon after leaving school Gary started working for his step-father's fire protection business. He eventually created a successful range of fire training films, aimed mainly at the care sector. He sold the business in 2014.
Gary received no formal training as a performer. When he was 19 years old he joined a local community theatre group, Stage One, which he credits as developing his talent.
Music career
Gary Williams started his career in social clubs before performing with the BBC Big Band on BBC Radio Humberside. This led to appearances on BBC Radio 2's Big Band Special, BBC television's Pebble Mill at One with David Jacobs, and Gloria Hunniford's 'Open House' with Burt Bacharach. He played the role of Frank Sinatra for the West End show 'The Rat Pack' for 150 performances at the Haymarket Theatre, the Adelphi Theatre, and subsequent UK and European tours. He performed for HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace.
In 2006 he performed in BBC1's 'Doctor Who – A Celebration' concert with David Tennant and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales with the BBC National Chorus of Wales conducted by Ben Foster. In 2007 he recorded two songs for the soundtrack of the Warner Bros' motion picture 'Mrs Ratcliffe's Revolution'.
He regularly performs in cabaret at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, The Crazy Coqs, The Pheasantry, privately for theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh and with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra. He is a regular soloist in the concert hall with the CBSO, RSNO, Halle Orchestra, RLPO, BBC Concert Orchestra (for Friday Night Is Music Night), Lahti Symphony Orchestra, Northern Sinfonia, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.
His most popular show is the fully interactive 'Sinatra Jukebox' where, "instead of an hour of songs and anecdote, halfway through members of the audience were invited to fill in request forms". Reviewing the show Cabaret Scenes said, "I can think of no other singer to better pay homage to Ol’ Blue Eyes on his 100th birthday." In 2014 he performed on BBC Radio 2 with the BBC Concert Orchestra for 'David Jacobs – A Celebration' alongside Michael Ball, Joe Stilgoe, Liz Robertson and Marti Webb. In 2015 he made his debut at Bestival. Gary sings in six different languages and is a regular headliner on luxury cruise liners.
Gary's Christmas show 'A Swingin' Christmas' was given a five star review by the London Evening Standard and described as “The jolliest sleigh-ride in town!”. The same show was given four stars by The Times, which on the same night gave Michael Bublé's show at the O2 three stars. In 2017 The Sunday Times profiled Gary in their Fame and Fortune section, describing him as "one of the country's best-loved crooners".
Recording career
In 2004 he recorded 'Alone Together' with the John Wilson Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. He returned to the studios for 'In the Lounge with Gary Williams' and 'Swingin' on Broadway', both recorded with his own band. Highlights of these three albums featured on 'Gary Williams – The Best of Abbey Road', released in 2010. Also in 2010 he released 'Gary Williams Meets Frank Sinatra', recorded with Chris Dean and his orchestra, which was awarded Jazz FM's album of the week. In 2011 he released 'Let There Be Love – A Celebration of Nat King Cole with the James Pearson Trio'. Recorded live in 2003, it lay forgotten about until rediscovered late 2010. 'Gary Williams Live in Brazil' was released in 2013. His latest album is 'Big Band Wonderland', funded in part after a successful Kickstarter appeal.
Discography
2004: Alone Together
2006: In the Lounge with Gary Williams
2008: Swingin' on Broadway
2010: Gary Williams Meets Frank Sinatra
2010: The Best of Abbey Road
2011: Let There Be Love
2013: Live in Brazil
2015: Big Band Wonderland
Broadcaster
Gary hosts the weekly podcast 'In Conversation Radio', which is described as Desert Island Discs, only more fun. He had a weekly contributor slot on BBC Radio Humberside and has contributed to BBC Radio 4's Excess Baggage and its consumer program You and Yours. Other broadcasting work includes: a two hour special for the centenary of Frank Sinatra for BBC Radio Humberside (writer and presenter), a contributor for Don Black's Cabaret Nights on BBC Radio 2 and a one hour special on The Art of the Crooner for BBC Radio 2's 50's pop-up (writer and presenter).
Cabaret Secrets
As the author of 'Cabaret Secrets: How to create your own show, travel the world and get paid to do what you love’, Gary has literally written the book on stagecraft. It has been featured in Time Out London, described as "an ideal vade mecum for anybody who wants to succeed in cabaret" and "indispensable" by Jonathan Baz, who says of Gary, "his familiarity with the Great Song Books (not just American) is unquestioned." The book is complimented by the Cabaret Secrets Podcast where established cabaret artistes like Steve Ross and Michael Feinstein share the secrets of their success.
He has written how-to articles for The Stage, The Voice Council, Excess All Areas, spoken as a panelist on for the London Cabaret Convention and contributed to the BBC Radio 2's cabaret special hosted by Don Black.
Charity work
In 2002 Gary received the Outstanding Support Award from children’s charity When You Wish Upon A Star and soon after was given the RNLI’s Bronze Award for 10 years of service. In 2008 he was invited to a reception by the Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown at 10 Downing Street in acknowledgement of his work for The Caron Keating Foundation, which he still actively supports. In 2010 he performed a benefit concert for Grimsby's 'Big Red Heart Appeal'.