Background Influence
Brandon realized at an early age that he had a natural musical adeptness, in which he taught himself to play and master many instruments independently, and an impeccable musical ear and fondness for all music. By age 3 he knew that music was his special gift and calling. By age 5, he played drums at the Washington Revival Center, under Rev. Davis, and at 9 with Michaels Temple Pentecostal Holiness Church, under Bishop Norman Barbie.
Stories are rampant throughout the family of Brandon’s early days of drumming. Brandon’s mother, Brenda Alexander, and his aunts Yvonne Alexander Shelton, Anne Tolson, and Netty Steward in particular, often shared stories of Brandon practically driving his granddaddy crazy, playing his heart out on every pot and pan he could find in the kitchen cabinet and a collection of overturned tin garbage cans, out in the alley. There are also countless accounts of how he would get kicked out of class for not paying attention, and disrupting the class, because he was beating on the desk--his percussionist and fellow classmate Aaron Long from Anne Beers Elementary School, can attest to this—
Growing up, he often missed parties and outings with friends, like going to the movies, and Forestville Skating rink, because of his duty and obligations to the church. He became the church’s permanent drummer, and had rehearsal on Fridays, cleaned the church on Saturdays, and services all day on Sundays, throughout his teenage years. His mother, Brenda Alexander taught him to prioritize his responsibility to God and the church from an early age, as well as the importance of service and sacrifice.
In 1991, he started playing with a new Church called Reach Out for Life, under Bishop Larry H. Jordan, Sr., and Pastor Mike Freeman. The church later split in two. One became known as the Believer’s Worship Center, and the other the Spirit of Faith Christian Center. Brandon initially played drums for both churches, before committing to serve as a valuable member of the Praise and Worship team, for nearly 17 years with the Spirit of Faith. This allowed him to collaborate and perform with countless great musicians including Leroy Brown, Frank Goodwin, Scout Delt, William Cook, Bruce Bailey, and Mark St John Carson who nicknamed him “Hollywood” for his flashy suits. This was an invaluable experience, and with them, he was able to record his second major CD and has never looked back.
Brandon often says music runs through this blood, as he eats, sleeps, drinks, and embodies the essence of music. --and he got it honest.
Brandon’s father, Ralph E. Williams, Sr. was an entrepreneur with several business ventures. However, his first love was music. He produced several bands including the Matadors, Elvans Road LTD, and Symba. Through his father, Brandon was introduced to all types and genres of music, instrumentation, and musicianship, as well as several celebrities, musicians, singers, songwriters, and producers, such as Al Johnson and Roosevelt Smith, that further ignited his artistry prowess. He fell in love with oldies but goodies, and the big band sound. Music from the early 70’s, Go-Go and Symba in particular, are amongst his favorites.
Brandon’s brother Ralph Williams Jr was also bitten by the music bug and shared his love for music with him. Ralph Jr was a tuba player for the Cardoza marching band, and Brandon wanted to follow in his footsteps. He played several musical instruments and tried to teach him all that he knew. This motivated Brandon even further, following in his older brother’s footsteps, as he played in the Anacostia and Friendly High School marching bands.
Then there is his uncle, Michael Zakee Jones, an acclaimed songwriter, producer, and rhythm guitar player, for the Matadors, Elvans Road LTD, and Symba, who further nurtured his love of music.
Not to mention, he was introduced to the “Go-Go” world, by his infamous late brother and mentor Benny Anthony Harley, aka “Little Benny”, from Little Benny and the Masters (LBM) band. He took Brandon to his first Go-Go at Club LeBaron, at the age of 10, where he watched Quentin “Footz” Davidson playing the drums, in awe all night. He later went on to play drums for LBM for about 6 months, before he was motivated to pursue a different career path.
Over the years, he put his dreams of playing professionally on hold and made his family a priority. Nevertheless, he continued to play the drums, socially and on special occasions, as he focused on his career, and competing obligations. However, the fire and passion for the love of music have never died. These invaluable life experiences and influences have cultivated and ignited his passion, creativity, and insatiable desire to share his innovative sound and love for music with the world. Stay tuned for upcoming releases and embrace yourself for the experience of a lifetime with TRIR music.