Vanessa Williams, the living legend is about to set the music world on fire with an incredible new album—her first in a decade-and-a-half—masterfully created with old friends filling the album with amazing songs. Yes, please!
It’s not all that surprising that Vanessa Williams, one of our country’s entertainment national treasures, has launched a new recording label, Mellian Music—assuming full creative control—as part of Warner Music Group’s independent label division. It’s also not necessarily shocking that Williams is releasing her first album in 15 years (the first single, the soon-to-be, monster-hit banger “Legs (Keep Dancing)” drops April 26 with the rest of the album out later this year). But the fact that she’s working with a lot of the crew she made some of her most iconic hits with, is, well, everything. Vanessa Williams is back in a major way and this time, she’s calling the shots.
“What a joy it is to be making new music behind the mic again with old friends,” says the 11-time Grammy nominee. “There’s a certain comfort in creating new works in the studio while reminiscing about how so many years in this business have brought successes, excitement, and lasting memories. Always moving forward is what drives me. Every challenge is exciting. And more new music to share with my fans is the fuel that lights my fire.”
Speaking of fire, that’s precisely the emoji you better have on hand when you share “Legs (Keep Dancing)” on your social media platforms. Mike Ruiz, who photographed the superstar for this feature, is her longtime creative collaborator and has spearheaded most of the creative visuals surrounding the album including her video for the first single, which he directed. Also, Ruiz introduced Williams to Bill Coleman, the hit-maker genius behind Peace Bisquit, who produced most of the head-exploding remixes for “Legs.”
If past is prologue, this album should be another smash for Williams, who has delivered more than 200 million digital streams and eight studio albums, including a remarkable six R.I.A.A.-certified platinum or gold singles. Williams’ latest work is being executive produced by Mellian Music, Mod Squad (who’s CEO Tony Prendatt says “the album will be for all genres”) and Christopher Todd Hall.
Songwriter Kipper Jones couldn’t agree more about the forthcoming album’s sure-fire success. “You can call it a comeback, a full circle moment or just plain serendipity, but I call it a blessing to be creating more history with the iconic force of nature that is Vanessa Williams,” he says.
If the return to the music charts wasn’t enough excitement for the indefatigable triple-threat, Williams is currently in rehearsals in London’s West End for the musical theater debut of The Devil Wears Prada portraying the iconic Runway fashion magazine editor, Miranda Priestley (portrayed by Meryl Streep in the box office smash film) set to premiere in the fall. Did I mention Sir Elton John is writing the score with lyrics by Shania Taub?
The question must be asked: Is Vanessa Williams, at 61, just now hitting her stride? She’s never been more beautiful, more passionate, more seasoned and more ready to take it all on. But this time, she’s in charge. Big Boss energy becomes her. And how.
Intro by Richard Pérez-Feria | Photography by Mike Ruiz | Interview by Renata Salazar
