Paulette McWilliams facts for kids

Paulette McWilliams is an American singer and songwriter. She started her music journey singing with bands like The American Breed and Rufus. Paulette is also famous for being a backing vocalist. This means she sings harmony and support for other main singers. She has worked with many famous artists. These include Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, and Quincy Jones. She was also part of Bette Midler's singing group, the Harlettes.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Paulette McWilliams grew up in Chicago, Illinois. From a very young age, she knew she wanted to be a singer. She loved music and went to many live shows with her older sisters.

When she was 11, Paulette had her first public performance. She appeared on a TV show called Little Stars. On the show, she sang "Catch a Falling Star" alongside the famous entertainer Sammy Davis Jr.. Some of her early musical heroes were Sarah Vaughan, Aretha Franklin, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Paulette's Singing Career

Starting as a Professional Singer

At 12 years old, Paulette got her first agent. This meant she could start singing professionally. She even wrote her own song, "Teenage Dropout." It was released with her singing group, Paulette and the Cupids. She continued to sing while she was in high school. After graduating, she had a daughter.

Joining Bands: The American Breed and Rufus

In 1969, Paulette joined a rock band from Chicago called The American Breed. The band's sound started to change, becoming more like soul music and R&B. Over the next few years, the band's members and name changed. They finally became known as Ask Rufus in 1970. Paulette was the main female singer for the first two years. In 1972, she decided to leave the group. She was tired from touring and wanted to spend more time with her family. Paulette even suggested her good friend, Chaka Khan, to take her place. Chaka Khan later led the band through their most successful years.

Working with Quincy Jones and Solo Music

After leaving Rufus, Paulette moved to Los Angeles. There, she found a lot of work singing jingles for TV and radio commercials. A guitarist named Phil Upchurch told producer Quincy Jones about her. Quincy Jones then hired Paulette to sing backing and lead vocals for his Body Heat tour. She also sang on his next album, Mellow Madness.

In 1977, Paulette released her first solo album, Feel Good All Over. Around the late 1970s, she also began singing duets with Johnny Mathis. She performed with him for several years. She also sang on his 1980 album, Different Kinda Different. During this time, she continued to work with Quincy Jones. She sang on Michael Jackson's album Off the Wall and its hit song "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough".

Touring with Stars

After working with Johnny Mathis, Paulette joined Bette Midler's backing group, the Harlettes. She toured with Bette Midler's stage show, The Divine Miss M. This included a long run on Broadway. Through Bette Midler, Paulette met Luther Vandross. She worked with him from 1982 until 2002. She sang on every album he recorded during those years.

Throughout the 1980s, Paulette continued to sing backing vocals for many artists. She sang on David Bowie's "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)" and Billy Idol's "Mony Mony". She also sang and toured with Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye. She sang all the duet parts that Tammi Terrell originally sang with Marvin Gaye. Paulette moved to New York in 1986. By then, she was working a lot with Luther Vandross, who was a big star. She toured with him on all his tours from 1984 to 2000. Luther Vandross also included Paulette in many background vocal sessions he produced for other artists. These included Whitney Houston and Diana Ross.

Since 2000, Paulette has recorded and toured with artists like Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Michael Buble, and Steely Dan. She is part of Steely Dan's backing singers, known as "The Danettes."

Paulette McWilliams' most recent solo album, These Are The Sweet Things, was released in 2023.

Personal Life

Paulette McWilliams has a daughter named Brigette. Brigette used to be a singer and is now an interior designer.

Discography

• Never Been Here Before (1977)
• Flow (2007)
• Telling Stories (with Tom Scott) (2012)
• A Woman's Story (2020)
• These Are The Sweet Things (2023)