Rev. Jasper Williams, Jr.

Gospelcity:  What would you like people to know about your musical background who aren’t familiar with your music ministry?

Rev. Williams:  Well, my musical background started with Dottie Peoples.  She was a member of my church … and she came in to my church as a great choir singer … and she rose to be the musical director of my church at one time.  It’s because of her (Dottie Peoples) that I did the previous two albums … and many people don’t know Dottie Peoples ran Church Door Records on a day to day basis for us … for many years.  I’m the one that introduced her to A.I. R. (Atlanta International Records) and the rest is history.  So my musical background should be attributed to Dottie Peoples because she always thought I should be out there for whatever her reason … I have to thank her for that.

Gospelcity:  Who have been some of your musical influences over the years?

Rev. Williams:  Rev. James Cleveland was one of my musical heroes.  He used to sing all of the time at Rev. Franklin’s house (who is Aretha Franklin’s father).  A group of us would gather at the Franklin’s house and they would sing all the time when he (Rev. Cleveland) was very young.  There was camaraderie there. Dr. E. L. McKenny of Memphis, Tennessee who used to sing with the Southern Wonders had the greatest influence on me along as my father, Rev. Jasper Williams Sr.  My father (Rev. Williams, Sr.) was the one who allowed me the privilege to preach at such a early age and took a lot of flack and a lot of ridicule because I was just a child 6…7 years of age but he believed in me being called to preach … and I have him (Rev. Williams, Sr.) to start with … as the basis from whence all of it (musical influence) comes from.

Gospelcity:  What are your thoughts about the Gospel Music Industry today, since you’re back promoting a new CD after 20 years?