ABOUT WB
William Blake is a native of Dallas, Texas. He has been performing professionally since the age of 19 at such Dallas venues as Bill’s Hideaway, Alexandre’s, Absinthe Lounge, and Sambuca Jazz Lounge and Restaurant. As an actor, his regional musical theater credits include The Who’s Tommy (Cousin Kevin), Chicago (Mary Sunshine), and The Rocky Horror Show (Riff Raff). In 2004, William released his first studio album, DayDreamer, with the song selection ranging from jazz (Billy Strayhorn’s Lush Life) to pop (Stevie Wonder’s Kiss Lonely Goodbye). Shortly after the release, William auditioned for the fourth season of American Idol and went on to compete in Hollywood. In early 2007, he made his move to New York City to continue his musical career. He has performed at such notable NYC venues as Don’t Tell Mama, Uncle Charlie’s, The Metropolitan Room, and Birdland Jazz Club. In 2010, William was honored to receive an invitation to sing at Carnegie Hall in Standard Time with Michael Feinstein. He also had the privilege of sharing the stage with Liza Minnelli, Chita Rivera, Lucie Arnaz, and many others in The Best of Jim Caruso’s Cast Party at Town Hall.
William always knew that his second album would be a “Live From” project. With musical director and co-producer Michael Thomas Murray, he handpicked the best Soul and R&B songs from 1961 to 1979 where the evolution of the two genres was most significant. With the tunes in tow and the band in place, the one-night-only performance was recorded at Birdland on September 6th, 2010, to a sold-out audience. William Blake: Live From New York City is an energetic, funky and fresh look into the passion and skill of this unique and talented vocalist.