WYXR Stereo Session #6:John Gary Williams' 1973's Self-titled LP

1350 Concourse Avenue,Memphis TN 38104

13 July, 2022

Description

Set against the backdrop of the 1970s Black Liberation movement, John Gary Williams‘ story is representative of more than soul music, it is an expression of activism through entertainment. Williams began his singing career as a member of Stax’s male vocal group The Mad-Lads, one of a handful of local groups devised to prove the Memphis company’s ability to produce a sweet sound of soul akin to those found in Detroit, Philadelphia, and Chicago. However, his self-titled solo LP fell short of its commercial promise, mired by Williams’ implication in a criminal act and the looming demise of The Stax Company. The album’s producer and The Bar-Kays drummer Willie Hall guides a listening audience through the album’s intricacies. Seating is limited, so we ask all attendees to RSVP. "WYXR's Stereo Sessions presented by nexAir and MEMPHO" featuring John Gary Williams' self-titled LP is sponsored by Orion, Memphis Listening Lab and VIA Productions. The event is powered by a grant from Humanities Tennessee.