Gary Williams (singer)

Williams started his career in social clubs before performing with the BBC Big Band on BBC Radio Humberside.{{Cite web|url=http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/news/Immingham-crooner-make-sure-Classics-Park-swings/article-2391276-detail/article.html|title=Classics in the Park will swing to globe-trotting crooner's selection of Sinatra|website=Thisishullandeastriding.co.uk|accessdate=2020-05-27}} 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{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/features/The-boys-are-back-in.800634.jp |title=The boys are back in town |newspaper=Yorkshire Post |date=2 June 2004}} for 150 performances at the Haymarket Theatre, the Adelphi Theatre, and subsequent UK and European tours.

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.[http://www.soundtrackfan.com/livescores/other/british/gold-tv-doctor-who-concert.htm ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120125546/http://www.soundtrackfan.com/livescores/other/british/gold-tv-doctor-who-concert.htm |date=20 November 2008 }} 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,{{cite web|url=http://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Lorna-Luft-and-Gary-Williams-to-Play-the-Crazy-Coqs-Dec-2013-20131031 |title=Lorna Luft and Gary Williams to Play the Crazy Coqs, Dec 2013 |work=BroadwayWorld |date=31 October 2013 |accessdate=26 October 2015}} The Pheasantry,{{cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/140405-New-London-Cabaret-Intiatives-Launch-at-Wiltons-Music-Hall-and-The-Pheasantry |title=New London Cabaret {{sic|Inti|atives|nolink=yes|expected=Initiatives}} Launch at Wilton's Music Hall and The Pheasantry |work=Playbill |date=15 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617013418/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/140405-New-London-Cabaret-Intiatives-Launch-at-Wiltons-Music-Hall-and-The-Pheasantry |archivedate=17 June 2010 |df=dmy }} privately for theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh{{cite web|author=This is Grimsby |url=http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/news/Gary-Williams-birthday-gig/article-985764-detail/article.html |title=Gary Williams' birthday gig |work=Grimsby Telegraph |date=11 May 2009}} 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{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0088n6y |title=BBC Radio 2 – Friday Night is Music Night, 16/11/2007 |publisher=BBC |date=16 November 2007}}), Lahti Symphony Orchestra,{{cite web|url=http://www.meteli.net/tapahtuma/65862 |title=Hollywood Rhapsody: Sinfonia Lahti, John Wilson, Gary Williams |work=Meteli |date=19 May 2006 |accessdate=26 October 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.meteli.net/tapahtuma/83905 |title=My Way - Sinatra Encore: Sinfonia Lahti, John Wilson, Gary Williams |work=Meteli |date=16 March 2007 |accessdate=26 October 2015}} Northern Sinfonia, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra for the Adelaide Cabaret Festival{{cite web|author=Log in |url=http://www.artshub.com.au/au/news-article/opinions/visual-arts/spoilt-for-choice-sounds-and-visuals-galore-in-sa-160683 |title=Spoilt for choice – sounds and visuals galore in SA | ArtsHub Australia |publisher=Artshub.com.au |date=13 June 2007}} and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

His most popular show is the 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".{{cite web|author=|url=http://musicaltheatrereview.com/gary-williams-presents-his-sinatra-jukebox/ |title=Gary Williams presents a Sinatra Jukebox |publisher=Musical Theatre Review |date=20 April 2013}} 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."{{cite web | author = Helen Theophanous | url = http://cabaretscenes.org/2015/05/11/gary-williams-harry-the-piano-happy-birthday-mr-sinatra/ | title = Gary Williams & Harry the Piano: Happy Birthday Mr. Sinatra | publisher = Cabaret Scenes | date = 11 May 2015 | accessdate = 20 October 2015}} 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.{{cite web | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03trh47 | title = BBC Radio 2 – David Jacobs: A Celebration | publisher = BBC | date = 9 February 2014 | accessdate = 20 October 2015}} In 2015 he made his debut at Bestival and the following year at Camp Bestival.{{cite web|url=http://2015.bestival.net/line-up/artists/gary-williams-and-the-sinatra-jukebox |title=Gary Williams and the Sinatra Jukebox |publisher=Bestival |date=2015 |accessdate=20 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909213317/http://2015.bestival.net/line-up/artists/gary-williams-and-the-sinatra-jukebox |archivedate=9 September 2015 |df=dmy }}

Williams's Christmas show A Swingin' Christmas was given a five star review by the London Evening Standard{{cite web | url = https://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/music/gary-williams-a-swinging-christmas-crazy-coqs-music-review-9933269.html | author = Jane Cornwell | title = Gary Williams: A Swinging Christmas, Crazy Coqs - music review | publisher = Evening Standard | date = 18 December 2014 | accessdate = 20 October 2015}} and described as "The jolliest sleigh-ride in town!". The same show was given four stars by The Times,{{cite web | url = http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/music/livereviews/article4300103.ece | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141226152605/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/music/livereviews/article4300103.ece | url-status = dead | archive-date = 26 December 2014 | author = Clive Davis | title = Gary Williams at Crazy Coqs, W1 | work = The Times | date = 18 December 2014 | access-date = 20 October 2015}} which on the same night gave Michael Bublé's show at the O2 three stars.{{cite web | url = http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Michael-Buble-Grimsby-Immingham-8217-s-singing/story-25781758-detail/story.html | title = Michael Buble or Grimsby and Immingham's singing sensation Gary Williams – who is the best? The Times says Gary! | publisher = Grimsby Telegraph | date = 30 December 2014 | accessdate = 20 October 2015}} A big band version of the show was aired on Sky Arts on 18th December 2022 {{cite web | url = https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-4p0hys/a-swingin-christmas-with-len-phillips-swing-orchestra/| title = A Swingin' Christmas with Len Phillips Swing Orchestra | work = Radio Times | date = 16 December 2022 | accessdate = 21 December 2022}} with the LP Swing Orchestra and Mica Paris.

In 2017, The Sunday Times profiled Williams, describing him as "one of the country's best-loved crooners".{{cite web |author=|url=https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/money/article/i-sang-like-fred-and-called-the-office-thing-off-dhl0xvrpq |title=I Sang Like Fred and Called The Office Thing Off |publisher=The Sunday Times |date=15 January 2017}}

In 2022 he made his New York debut at Carnegie Hall as part of a tribute concert to Peggy Lee,{{cite web|author=|url=https://www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/2022/06/03/I-Like-Men |title="I Like Men" - Celebrating 102 Years of Miss Peggy Lee |publisher=Carnegie Hall |date=3 June 2022}} staged by the Mabel Mercer Foundation.

In 2004, Williams recorded Alone Together with the John Wilson Orchestra{{cite web|url=http://www.playbill.com/news/article/119858-John-Wilson-Orchestra-Offers-Thats-Entertainment-Celebration-of-MGM-Musicals |author=Mark Shenton |title=John Wilson Orchestra Offers That's Entertainment, Celebration of MGM Musicals |publisher=Playbill |date=28 July 2008 |accessdate=20 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315043201/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/119858-John-Wilson-Orchestra-Offers-Thats-Entertainment-Celebration-of-MGM-Musicals |archivedate=15 March 2014 |df=dmy }} 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 appeared 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.{{cite web | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00z08v5 |title = BBC Radio 2 – Russell Davies, 06/03/2011 | publisher = BBC | date = 6 March 2011 | accessdate = 20 October 2015}} Gary Williams Live in Brazil was released in 2013. In 2015 after a successful crowdfunding appeal{{cite web | url = https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bigbandwonderland/gary-williams-and-his-big-band-wonderland-christma/ |title = Gary Williams and Big Band Wonderland|website=Kickstarter.com | date = 26 February 2015 | accessdate = 20 October 2015}} he released a big band Christmas album Big Band Wonderland. In 2017 Williams released Gary Williams at the Movies, which was awarded four stars by the London Evening Standard which said, "This selection of movie tunes sung with Sinatra-esque flair, will transport you down memory lane and get your serotonin levels soaring."{{cite news| author = Jane Cornwell | url = https://www.standard.co.uk/stayingin/tvfilm/gary-williams-at-the-movies-review-a-trip-down-memory-lane-a3630751.html | title = Gary Williams - At the Movies review: A Trip Down Memory Lane | newspaper=London Evening Standard | date = 8 September 2017}} In 2018 he released 'Treasure Seeker' his first album as a singer/songwriter.

Williams has hosted the weekly musical biography show The Legends of Las Vegas{{Cite web|url=https://www.ageuk.org.uk/|title=Age UK | The UK's leading charity helping every older person who needs us|website=Ageuk.org.uk|accessdate=2020-05-27}} for The Wireless by Age UK. He hosted the weekly podcast In Conversation Radio,{{Cite web|url=http://www.garywilliams.co.uk/podcast|title=In Conversation|website=Garywilliams.co.uk|accessdate=2020-05-27}} similar in style to Desert Island Discs, and guests included Fred Astaire's daughter Ava Astaire MacKenzie, Christopher Biggins, and Jeffrey Archer. He has contributed to BBC Radio 4's Excess Baggage{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/excessbaggage/index_20070407.shtml |title=Radio 4 – Excess Baggage |publisher=BBC }} 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,{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p039t28q |title=Radio Humberside - Sinatra, Mr Hero |publisher=BBC }} a contributor for Don Black's Cabaret Nights on BBC Radio 2,{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b076pxh4 |title=Radio 2 - Don Black's Cabaret Nights |publisher=BBC }} two-hour Christmas specials for BBC Radio Humberside in 2016{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04k75gq |title=Radio Humberside - Christmas Crooners |publisher=BBC }} and 2017{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05pftps |title=Radio Humberside - Christmas Special |publisher=BBC }} and a one-hour special on The Art of the Crooner for BBC Radio 2 50s.{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03lsql7/broadcasts/2016/04 |title=Radio 2 - 50s Pop Up |publisher=BBC }}

Williams also does corporate presenting and voice-over work.{{cite web | url = https://thepresenter.co.uk | title = Gary Williams Presents | accessdate = 9 January 2022}}

Williams' book Cabaret Secrets: How to create your own show, travel the world and get paid to do what you love has been featured in Time Out London,{{cite web | last = Walters | first = Ben | url = http://www.timeout.com/london/cabaret/five-reasons-to-love-cruise-ship-cabaret |title = Five reasons to love cruise-ship cabaret |work = Time Out | date = 18 June 2013 | accessdate = 20 October 2015}} described as "an ideal vade mecum for anybody who wants to succeed in cabaret".{{cite web | url = http://classicalsource.com/db_control/db_features.php?id=11298 | title = Cabaret Secrets by Gary Williams [Book Review] |publisher = Classicalsource.com | date = August 2013 | accessdate = 20 October 2015}}

Williams is also a portrait and wedding photographer.{{cite web|url=https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-awards/east-central-london |title = Hitched Wedding Awards 2024 |work = Hitched | date = 15 February 2024 | accessdate = 7 May 2024}} His work has been included in the Picturing High Streets national collection within the Historic England Archive for English Heritage,{{cite web|url=https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/photos/item/HEC01/128/02/15/02 |title = 'Sally' - A portrait of a florist surrounded by flowers at Arta's Flowers at 33 Islington Green |work = Historic England | date = 1 March 2023 | accessdate = 7 May 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/photos/item/HEC01/128/02/19/02 |title = 'Coronation Street Party' - A group of people around a long table laden with food and bunting, at a street party in Charlton Place to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III |work = Historic England | date = 7 March 2023 | accessdate = 7 May 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/photos/item/HEC01/128/02/23/03 |title = 'Old Hovis Sign' - The ghost sign for Hovis flour on the west elevation of 10 Charlton Place and 10 Camden Passage |work = Historic England | date = 1 March 2023 | accessdate = 7 May 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/photos/item/HEC01/128/02/25/01 |title = 'Joshua' - A portrait of the bar keeper of The Old Queen's Head Public House standing behind the bar |work = Historic England | date = 1 Sep 2023 | accessdate = 7 May 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/photos/item/HEC01/128/02/25/05 |title = 'Donatie' - A portrait of a man in the Camden Head Public House |work = Historic England | date = 1 March 2023 | accessdate = 6 May 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/photos/item/HEC01/128/02/25/06 |title = 'Landlord of The Camden Head Pub' - A portrait of the landlord of The Camden Head Public House |work = Historic England | date = 1 March 2023 | accessdate = 7 May 2024}} exhibited at the Decode Gallery,{{cite web|url=https://www.decodegallery.com/exhibitions/beyond-the-lens/ |title = Beyond The Lens |work = Decode Gallery |date = 12 August 2023 | accessdate = 8 May 2024}} Trieste Photo Festival,{{cite web|url=https://www.urbanphotoawards.com/en/photonew/?id=145647/gary-williams/susan |title = Gary Williams Susan |work = Urban Photo Awards | accessdate = 7 May 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.urbanphotoawards.com/en/photonew/?id=145648/gary-williams/coronation-party |title = Gary Williams Coronation Party |work = Urban Photo Awards | accessdate = 7 May 2024}} published in The New York Times (singer Melissa Errico),{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/27/theater/melissa-errico-concerts-pandemic-travel.html |title = Melissa Errico Hits The Road |work = New York Times | date = 27 Jul 2022 | accessdate = 7 May 2024}} ArtDoc Photography Magazine (singer Barb Jungr),{{cite web|url=https://www.artdoc.photo/online-exhibition/human-stories |title = Human Stories |work = ArtDoc Photography Magazine | accessdate = 7 May 2024}} printed on the Nicky Haslam “Common Tea Towel” {{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/nicky-haslam-annual-common-tea-towel-b1118477.html |title = A pop of colour, bucket lists, Puglia: Nicky Haslam's snarky annual tea towel is back |work = The Standard | date = 7 Nov 2023 | accessdate = 7 May 2024}} and has had five images officially selected for the International Photography Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.photoawards.com/winner/zoom.php?eid=8-1652426699-22 |title = Juliet |work = Photo Awards | date = 8 Apr 2022 | accessdate = 7 May 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.photoawards.com/winner/zoom.php?eid=8-1652426699-22 |title = Samuel |work = Photo Awards | date = 13 November 2022 | accessdate = 7 May 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.photoawards.com/winner/zoom.php?eid=8-1681481750-23 |title = Carlotta |work = Photo Awards | date = 8 Mar 2022 | accessdate = 7 May 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.photoawards.com/winner/zoom.php?eid=8-1652426699-22 |title = Susan |work = Photo Awards | date = 16 May 2023 | accessdate = 7 May 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.photoawards.com/winner/zoom.php?eid=8-1686636701-23 |title = Pride Bride |work = Photo Awards | date = 1 Jul 2023 | accessdate = 7 May 2024}} In 2024 Williams published "The Little Book of Camden Passage" a photo book celebrating the people of a small London street. The book was accompanied by a solo exhibition supported by NatWest and the Angel Islington Business Improvement District (BID). {{cite web|url=https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/24513039.people-camden-passage-outdoor-photo-exhibition-angel/ |title = People of Camden Passage outdoor photo exhibition in Angel |work = Ham & High | date = 13 Aug 2024 | accessdate = 13 Feb 2025}} {{cite web|url=https://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/24513039.people-camden-passage-outdoor-photo-exhibition-angel/ |title = Social media stars of 'London's most charming street' see their faces on display|work = People of Camden Passage outdoor photo exhibition in Angel | date = 13 Aug 2024 | accessdate = 11 Feb 2025}} {{cite web|url=https://www.islingtontribune.co.uk/article/passage-of-time-photo-exhibition-celebrates-sense-of-community |title = Passage of time: Photo exhibition celebrates 'sense of community' |work = Islington Tribune | date = 2 Aug 2024 | accessdate = 3 Jan 2025}}

In 2008 he was invited to a reception by the Prime Minister's wife Sarah Brown at 10 Downing Street{{cite web | author = This is Grimsby | url = http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/news/Crooner-s-invite-Number-10/article-470050-detail/article.html | title = Crooner's invite to Number 10 | work = Grimsby Telegraph | date = 13 November 2008 | accessdate = 20 October 2015}} in acknowledgement of his work for The Caron Keating Foundation. In 2010 he performed a benefit concert for Grimsby's 'Big Red Heart Appeal'.{{cite web | author = This is Grimsby | url = http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Singer-gets-Christmas-swinging-start/story-11524570-detail/story.html | title = Singing sensation Gary Williams gets Christmas off to a swinging start | publisher = Grimsby Telegraph | date = 29 November 2010 | accessdate = 20 October 2015}}

• 2004: Alone Together
• 2006: In the Lounge with Gary Williams
• 2008: Swingin' on Broadway
• 2010: Gary Williams Meets Frank Sinatra
• 2011: Let There Be Love
• 2013: Live in Brazil
• 2015: Big Band Wonderland
• 2017: At the Movies
• 2018: Treasure Seeker
• 2019: Legends
• 2020: Wild About Wilder
• 2020: 95
• 2020: On Days Like These
• 2020: I'm Coming Home for Christmas (single)
• 2021: Heroes and Villains (EP)
• 2021: Stage and Screen (EP)
• 2021: I'm Coming Home for Christmas (EP)

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.garywilliams.co.uk/ Official site]
• [http://www.garywilliams.photography/ Official photography site]
• [https://www.thestage.co.uk/advice/2015/gary-williams-cruise-shows-are-now-an-exciting-alternative/ Article in The Stage]

{{Gary Williams (singer)}}

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Category:Living people

Category:English male singers

Category:English jazz singers

Category:Place of birth missing (living people)

Category:English broadcasters

Category:Easy listening musicians

Category:1970 births

Category:21st-century English singers

Category:21st-century British male singers

Category:British male jazz musicians