Life is a stage

says Cole Williams, and as stages go, one must wonder if there will ever be one big enough to hold the myriad of talent and creative appetite of a true artist like Williams. As founder of The Greater New Orleans Citizens Relief Team, this Jamaican American icon is equal parts entertainer, community builder, multi-instrumentalist, icon, radio DJ, organizer, and consistently redefining what it means to be on the front line of a movement. 

Listed as one of 8 Black Artists Making Waves by Symphonic,

and praised by HuffPost as having the heart of Bob Marley, soul of Sam Cooke, and grit of Etta James, Cole Williams is a force of nature, using her powerhouse vocals… and her empowering lyrical stance (Glide Magazine) as a pioneer in the modern-day freedom Movement. 

As a cultural architect and vocalist, Williams’ style is a true treasure. With classic soul as her vocal canvas, Cole’s ability truly shines when she’s breaking genre conventions and opting for a wholly original vocal landscape—one that melds all the colors of soul, blues, R&B, reggae, gospel, and wisdom.

Music has always come first for Williams. This powerhouse got her start in East Flatbush, Brooklyn.

Portrait of a confident woman with gray dreadlocks, wearing a colorful plaid shirt unbuttoned to reveal tattoos and wearing a necklace, with a dark background.
Screenshot of an article headline from Medium about organizing Black power to create change through music, featuring singer-songwriter Cole Williams.
A promotional poster for Women of Note at the New Orleans Jazz Museum featuring a woman singing into a microphone with a yellow feathered accessory, with background musicians playing guitar.
Collage of eight Black artists, including women and men, with their photos and a text overlay that reads, "8 Black Artists Making Waves in 2024". The images showcase diverse styles and expressions.
Cole Williams, Founder of The Greater New Orleans Citizens Relief Team, photographed at the New Orleans Jazz Museum

She attended Brooklyn Technical High School (known for its Nobel Laureate alumni, as well as Mos Def and Talib Kweli) and majored in psychology before studying classical voice at New Jersey City University.

This rich background, coupled with Cole’s foundation in classical piano (trained from ages 4-17) and church upbringing, provided her with the foundation to eventually broaden her artistic horizon.

Magazine page featuring singer Cole Williams on the cover, with a headline about her being a queen of soul/R&B and activist. Includes a photo of Cole Williams speaking into a microphone, a photo of Malik Mingo with Cole Williams at Great Day Louisiana, and text about her life and work.
Cole Williams, "How We Care For Humanity album cover.

Cole’s breakout single, A Better Woman, has been named her greatest triumph as a pop composer (T.R. Johnson, A Writer’s City),

earning her recognition as a finalist in the 2025 Unsigned Only competition, and a winner 2024 International Songwriting Competition. Williams’ vocal stylings are featured on Curry Chicken (Joey Bada$$), Peaches N Herb (premiered by Wax Poetics), Obeah Woman (Nickodemus), Stand Tall (premiered by Offbeat Magazine), Ray Charles (Chiddy Bang); on commercials by CoverGirl, JC Penny, and Suave Professionals, as is the current face and voice of the iconic Chp Fostall commercials. 

In addition, Cole’s signature presence has contributed vocals for Aloe Blacc, Little Jackie, Lisa Lisa and The Cult Jam, Diane Birch, Somi, Kaissa, Dana Fuchs, Neurotic Drum Band, Pimps Of Joytime, and Walter “Wolfman” Washington. William's vocal performances have been featured on television shows as prominent as Conan, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, The Wendy Williams Show, The Jools Holland Show, The Craig Ferguson Show, WWL4 Morning Show, Great Day Louisiana, Live With Kelly & Michael, 90210, and The Today Show. 

With performances at iconic venues across the globe

With performances at iconic venues across the globe

already under her belt including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Blue Note, Joshua Tree Music Festival, World Café Live,

Martyr’s, BAM Café, Maple Leaf Bar, and French Quarter Festival; Williams’ voice can be heard hosting the Tuesday New Orleans Music Show on the world-famous WWOZ 90.7FM in New Orleans every Tuesday, where she takes the listener on a musical tour of the city’s sounds and has the occasional celebrity stop by.

Beginning in NYC and expanding to New Orleans, it’s her passion for people that has allowed her to inspire thousands, a skill that was advanced through her mentorship with 60-year Civil Rights veteran, Curtis Muhammad. Cole’s philanthropic wings trace back to age 15 when she began teaching music, volunteering, and creating partnerships. 

Beyond the stage, Williams’ community outreach is compelling.

Forever a melting pot of culture and creativity, Cole was crowned 2025 Elite Ms. Louisiana Petite and 2026 Elite Southern States Petite,

A woman with short curly hair and large hoop earrings leaning against a tree trunk in a lush green forest, wearing a floral dress, a white jacket, and black tights.

produced the WWOZ documentaries: “CloseUp: Tank And The Bangas” and “Irma’s Song,”

and has appeared in NCIS: New Orleans, Big Freedia Means Business, Sinners, and People We Meet On Vacation. With each new creative endeavor under her belt, Williams further cements herself as a vanguard of faith, love, and community.