Willie Norwood, Sr.

Gospel music veteran – Willie Norwood, Sr. – clearly knows a thing or two about music and ministry. With a music career that spans over a generation, a classical training and a couple of children that have provided Gold & Platinum selling albums, it seems that Willie has made a mark for himself in the very cluttered world of music.

However, Brother Norwood is just getting started. His latest offering – ‘Bout It (Atlantic) – is a refreshing take for Gospel fans to enjoy, exuding both a unique style to call his own and a sense of integrity about the music he sings about. It’s a reflection of the man who’s achieved more than most but elects to live a life of humility in Christ. Enjoy our dialogue with a true southerner, Brother Willie Norwood.

Christopher Heron: Well Willie – can I call you “Willie”, Mr. Norwood? Let’s talk about your musical background. Everybody seems to know about your successful children – Brandy & Ray-J. So, let’s talk about you and your evolving musical career and how it affected the children. Were you actually the first artist in the Norwood home? Give me a little background.

Willie Norwood: Well, I began as a young boy in Mississippi. I always had a love for church music. We had children’s choirs and youth choirs, that’s how I first started singing. Then I went to high school and played brass instruments, trumpet and baritone. After high school, I got a music scholarship to Jackson State University. I played in the Sunny Boom Band. Following that, I was singing all of the time; then I went out on the road. We formed our top 40 secular group. Ten guys together we went all over the state of Mississippi and we went all over the world.

CH: What was the name of the group?

WN: The name of the group was The Composers. It started in Jackson State and then I went to Jackson State University and played in their band. But let me just go back a little bit. After I learned how to play in high school, I played in clubs and things like that. I played trumpet in the swing band.