A Much Music Original

I recently connected with Michael Williams, a true media pioneer in Canada, who helped launch Much Music and shape today’s TV music landscape. Before the current onslaught of over-commercialized music channel programming, he was one of the orginal VJs in Canada who took pride in interviewing the musical newsmakers of the day.

For over 20 years, Michael Williams has conducted numerous live interviews with world renowned music and film artists such as Robert Plant, Whitney Houston, Seal, Celine Dion, Metallica, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, The Chieftains, Ice T, Aaron Neville, Chicago, Spike Lee, Bryan Adams, Smokey Robinson, Harry Connick Jr., Janet Jackson, Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Phil Collins, Earth, Wind and Fire, Neil Young, Sade, Marianne Faithful, Ertha Kitt, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole and Quincy Jones, just to name a few. Williams has been recognized as one of the best interviewers in North America.

In addition to his television interviews, Williams continues to be in demand as a presenter at awards galas including the Junos, the Geminis and Youth Achievement Awards and is regularly featured on CTV, CBC and YTV. While at MuchMusic from 1984 to 1993, Williams hosted the World Music Video Awards, the Canadian Music Video Awards and the MuchMusic Video Awards. He was producer, TV host and VJ for the hit shows, Soul in the City, Rap City, Electric Circus, Power Hour and New Music.

Before MuchMusic, Williams was heard over the airwaves at leading radio stations in Montreal – CHOM FM and CKGM AM, and in Toronto – CHUM FM. Currently Williams is active behind the scenes in programming, promotions, writing for himself and others including radio and television scripts, program creation, interviews and articles for music publications. Williams owns Black Rose Recording Studios in Toronto and since January of 2003, he has been teaching courses (Canadian & Int’l Music Industry Overview and Recording Artist Management) at the Toronto campus of an international film and music educational institution.