BUFFALO, NY - Venzella "Joy" Williams '10 didn't know when it would happen but she knew one day she would showcase her passion for rhythm alongside superstar singer and performer Beyoncé.
Williams’ faith, talent and eight-hour-a-day practices paid off in 2014 when she joined the “Mrs. Carter Show World Tour” as its drummer. As if this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity weren’t thrilling enough, Williams’ very first performance with the ‘Queen Bey’ took place at The White House for First Lady Michelle Obama’s 50th birthday party.
“It was an overwhelming experience,” recalls Williams.
It’s only the latest in this young drummer’s musical credits.
Williams played in the house band for the Black Entertainment Network (BET) program “Black Girls Rock.” During her stint, she performed with music legend Patty LaBelle and singer Jennifer Hudson, among others. Williams also provided the beat for singer Nelly on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
The Lockport native picked up her first set of drum sticks at age 10, when she joined her elementary school band. Shortly after, Santa Claus brought the drummer girl her first shiny red drum set. “I remember banging away for hours because I was so excited.” Soon, Williams brought her bass to the church where her father was a gospel singer. Williams experimented with other percussion instruments while at Nardin Academy. When Williams came to Canisius, as an Urban Leadership Learning Community scholar, she played in the jazz band while studying music theory and criminal justice.
“My mother was a woman of strong faith and believed that my musical dreams would come true,” says Williams. “But she also encouraged me to go to college and get an education.”
Williams made her first national debut as a drummer during her junior year at Canisius. She competed on the MTV reality show “Making His Band.” Williams collaborated with Sean “Diddy” Combs and other music industry veterans, who ultimately helped her land the Beyoncé gig.
“It was absolutely amazing to work with Beyoncé. I learned so much about her work ethic, her professionalism and her creativity.”
Williams shares what she learned at drum clinics across the country. She explains, “I want people to leave my clinics encouraged to live their dreams.”
Certainly, Williams’ is living hers.
It’s the inspiration behind her most recent musical venture. “Live” is Williams’ first vocal single, available on iTunes.
“The song is meant to inspire,” she says. “I want people to know they’re closer to achieving their dreams than they think.”
Sounds like a hit!
Click here to watch Venzella "Joy" Williams perform.
