Garfield Williams Jr.

I began my training in music playing drums at the age of 8, in my hometown Philadelphia. In center city Philly there was a store called "Music City," where Paul Patterson and Armand Santarelli taught lessons. I was enamored with them because they were teaching in TUXEDOS, and after our lessons they would travel to Atlantic City to play at the casinos and clubs. I dreamed of wearing a tuxedo one day and traveling to play a gig. Their attire and lifestyles opened my eyes to what could be, but it was my dear, late mother Sadie, who made sure my dreams became my reality. She took on an extra job cleaning houses to pay for my lessons. They cost $3.50 (Thank you, Momma). 

By the age of 9 I was living my dream! I finally got to wear a tux to perform with an all Black big band, the W. Fields Orchestra, playing at cabarets at the famous Blue Horizon on north Broad Street. 

Philly has always been a musical town. Growing up, we lived 5 blocks from the Uptown Theatre. Radio personality, Georgie Woods, "the guy with the goods” was able to bring in every well-known entertainer in the business; Marvin Gaye, Little Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, the Jackson 5, the Supremes, the Delfonics, Mary Wells, and my absolute favorite, James Brown, just to name a few! We would go there for the Matinee and then hide inside to catch the evening show, longing for the day we could perform on that stage. So, I got together with some friends from the neighborhood to form a band,  The Black Rebellion. We got pretty good! After a few years working around town, we caught the attention of Carl Cutler, and  began touring with the Motown group, "The Hearts of Stone” (He ain’t Heavy, he’s my Brother), and another Motown artist, Chuck Jackson, (Any Day Now). Those were great times. 

In 1976 I married Ms. Barbara Coe, and we decided I would go get a music degree from the Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts (now the University of the Arts). My passion drove me to really push myself. I went to class in the day, cleaned offices in the evening, still made time to gig, and eventually welcomed my first daughter into the world.  

It was at PCPA where I forged relationships that would change my life and approach to music forever. I began Jazz Studies with John Davis & Evan Solot. I studied Snare drum, Marimba & Tympani with Anthony Orlando from the Philadelphia Orchestra. PCPA was also where I met Sumi Tonooka, Donald Robinson, Robin Eubanks, Willie Williams, Leon Frison, Ron Kerber and a host of other great musicians, singers and dancers. This intense training turned me into a much sought after session musician, working with Sigma Sound, Philly International, Philly World Records, and Virtue Recording Studios. 

In 1979 while gigging at The Wonder Club in Atlantic City with Millie Jackson, I met Clyde Lucas. He was playing drums at a club across the street from us, so during my break I went to listen to his band. He played so fluidly, that it seemed as if his sticks were beams of light! Eagerly, I waited for his break so I could talk to him. I was so impressed with his technique. I'd never seen anything like it! After introducing ourselves I raved about his technique and told him about the light I saw while he played. Clyde emphatically proclaimed, “Man, that’s Jesus!” Little did I know, this was the beginning of my life being transformed. I believe Clyde was sent as the angel who would point me to Jesus, and teach me to “swing.” That's how I know that Jesus can assign you to an unconventional, secular situation and use you for His glory! A few months later, Barbara and I visited a little church in Philly that was part of a worldwide organization called Church of God of Prophecy(COGOP). That very night, in that little church, I gave my heart to Christ and joined the church (Hallelujah…Thank You Jesus!). During my time at COGOP I was appointed the State Minister of Music; the first Black MOM for the State of Pennsylvania. I also served as their Bible School recruiter. 

While there, my friend Leon Frison kept telling me about his church at 41st & Girard Avenue, and the great musicians there. I finally decided to visit with him and met my dear friends and brothers, Steven Ford, Calvin Carr and Andrew Ford, Jr (RIH), who would later introduce me to the world of gospel music through Sweet Rain Records. With Sweet Rain I recorded with Barbara Ward Farmer and the Wagner Alumni Choir, The Savettes, Philadelphia Mass choir, The Brockington Ensemble, Rev. Ernest Davis, Jr. & Wilmington/Chester Mass Choir featuring Daryl Coley and many others. Under the direction of Dr. Steven Ford I also became involved with the Broadway plays, “Don’t get God Started,” and “God's Trombones.” 

Over the years I’ve been blessed to perform with Stevie Wonder, Grover Washington Jr., Donnie McClurkin, Richard Smallwood Singers and Vision, Shirley Caesar, Marvin Winans, BeBe Winans, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Yolanda Adams, Philly Pops featuring Phyllis Hyman, toured with Tramaine Hawkins under the direction of the inimitable Joel Bryant (RIH), and produced a special project with my friend and brother, Stanley Spottswood, Sr. All of these experiences had a great impact on me. I was living the life I dreamed about at 8 years old. The sacrifices of my parents were paying off! 

I always knew my gifts were given to positively impact the lives of others. For years I worked as a Recreational Music Therapist for the Temple University Woodhaven Center. This residential treatment center for children and adults with physical and mental challenges, afforded me the opportunity to offer music as recreation. We used music to heal. In those years spent singing, dancing and playing games with them, I am assured that they taught me more than I taught them. 

After wrestling with the Lord for years, we finally answered the call to Pastor and established “True Worship Family Fellowship Church.” I served as Senior Pastor from 1998-2005. While pastoring, in 2002 I joined a spirit jazz group “Breath of Heaven,” and these brothers encouraged me to write songs. With Randy Bowland (guitar), Donald Robinson (keys),  Stacey Harcum (saxophone and vocals), Wendell Sewell (guitar), Adam Blackstone (bass), and Jethaniel Nixon (bass), we performed throughout the region and finally recorded “Off Broadway,” in 2004. My confidence in my writing ability skyrocketed with the encouragement of these brothers, and 4 of my songs made it to the project: Think On These Things, Seek the Kingdom, No Words, and an arrangement for Nothing but the Blood of Jesus, made the CD. 

Bishop Harry R. Jackson & wife Dr. Michele (RIH) invited us to come and assist them with pastoral duties at Hope Christian Church in Maryland as a Staff Pastor, Youth Worship Director, and assisting with Men’s Ministry. While serving at Hope under the Minister of Music Professor Anthony Walker, the church’s youth worship group, Triple-N-Gen, (New, Now, Next Generation) recorded a project entitled “This Time.” We travelled the region ministering to people of all ages, won local choir competitions and sang for 2 WNBA games. 

This year, if it be the Lord's will, we will share with you several of our original compositions, with the first being, "Think on these things," featuring Jonathan DuBose (guitar), Carl Cox (saxophone), Donald Robinson (keys, bass, strings, and mixer), and me, Garfield Williams (drums, producer, and composer).

Of all of the titles and positions I've held, I'm most excited about being the husband of Barbara, father to Dara (my new son Damion), and Darnielle, and Pop-Pop to Janae and Brielle. 

Thank you, Pastor Jonathan DuBoseJr, for this honor. I love you to LIFE.