Dennis “Doc” Williams, R&B music producer and musical director of The O’Jays, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about overcoming racial discrimination in the musical industry and how his experiences shaped who he is today as a musician.
In this Episode
· Exploring Dennis’ background in classical music and how his expertise helped him propel his musical career, and how he had to take a different approach and trajectory due to racial discrimination
· A discussion on how Black people are often pigeonholed into certain roles and occupations, and how the importance of Black people being able to navigate around or break through those restrictions
· How Dennis was able to secure career opportunities in both classical and R&B music and alongside different musicians and musical groups such as The O’Jays, The Washington Symphony Orchestra, Teddy Pendergrass, Joe Coleman, and Patty LaBelle
· The importance of determination as a key driver to pursuing one’s dream career, and how Black musicians have paved the way for modern genres of music and the continued evolution of the music industry
· The importance of preparation for the various obstacles in one’s career path and establishing relationships with people that one will encounter throughout their career
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