Kat Williams

Not to be confused with Katt Williams.
Kat Williams
Birth name Katrina Williams
Born (1964-02-24) February 24, 1964
New York City, United States
Genres Blues music, Jazz music
Occupation(s) Blues singer, songwriter
Years active 1972–present

Katrina "Kat" Williams (born February 24, 1964) is an American blues singer. She is most noted for her soulful and blues textures.

Born in New York City, she started singing at a young age. Throughout her career she made very memorable appearances on television and through radio. She was a finalist on America's Got Talent, where she made it through to the Las Vegas rounds.[1] Williams also appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She currently resides in Asheville, North Carolina.[2]

Early life

Williams was raised by various family members and grew up in a very troubled home environment. Before becoming a blues artist, Williams spent ten years as a prison guard in New York and then transferred to North Carolina.[3]

Community outreach

Williams who reportedly survived a very tough and abusive childhood became involved in the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County in 2015 and currently sits on their board of directors. Williams primary function is to mentor and educate young kids who suffered similar experiences.[4]

Personal life

Williams is in a same-sex partnership with Patrice Boudreaux and the two live in Asheville, North Carolina. In March of 2016, Williams was the focus of a scandal brought on by the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte. Williams was scheduled to perform for the third consecutive year for their "Catholic Charities Gala for Hope" fundraiser before Bishop Peter Jugis read an 2013 article that spoke about Williams' lifestyle. She was then contacted by executive director, Gerry Carter and told her services were no longer needed due to her lifestyle. Williams was still paid for the performance, but the fundraiser had to be cancelled indefinitely due to the public outcry, cancellation of donations and seating refund requests.[5][6]

Awards

In 2012 Williams received an Emmy Award nomination for her work on the Hands of Hope project which featured several famous vocalists. The project was headed out by recording artist and producer, David L Cook.[7] She received the 2012 AMG Heritage Award for Female Vocalist of the Year. She won a collaborative AMG Heritage Award for her work on the video for Hands of Hope.[8]

References

  1. ↑ "America's Got Talent 3: Episode 8 Recap". BuddyTV. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  2. ↑ "Sandburg Folk Music Festival". Asheville.com. Retrieved 14 June 2012.
  3. ↑ Williams, Kat. "Williams began her career as a prison guard". Citizen-Times. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  4. ↑ Boys and Girls Club. "Williams joins the board of directors for the Henderson County Boys and Girls Club". Blue Ridge Now Publication. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  5. ↑ Williams, Kat. "Williams fired over lifestyle choices". Life Site News. The Catholic Diocese. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  6. ↑ Williams, Kat. "Community Speaks Out About Williams Being Fired For Being Gay". Gay Asheville News. Gay Asheville. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  7. ↑ Hands of Hope. "Williams listed as an artist on Hands of Hope". Radio Active Airplay. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
  8. ↑ Williams, Kat. "Williams wins multiple AMG Heritage Awards Honors". www.ArtistsMusicGuild.com. Artists Music Guild. Retrieved 1 March 2015.


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