Willie Norwood facts for kids

William Ray Norwood Sr. (born November 30, 1955) is an American gospel singer. He is well-known as the father and vocal coach of famous R&B singers Brandy and Ray J.

Willie Norwood's Music Journey

Starting Out in Music (1975-1992)

Willie Norwood began his music career in the 1970s. He went to Jackson State University on a band scholarship. There, he joined a soul music group called The Composers. He became their lead singer and played the trumpet.

The group became somewhat successful playing in clubs in Mississippi. They even opened for famous acts like Rufus and Chaka Khan, and Lou Rawls. Norwood later moved to Hollywood with the group. They gained many fans there.

After a while, Norwood and his wife, Sonja Bates-Norwood, moved back to McComb, Mississippi. They wanted to start a family and focus on their religious beliefs. Willie started working with local community choirs in Los Angeles. He also began studying more at California State University. His work with these choirs helped his young children, Brandy and Ray J, develop their love for music.

First Albums and Success (2001-2004)

Willie Norwood helped put together Brandy's "Never-Say-Never World Tour." After that, he released his first album, Bout It, in late 2001. It came out with Atlantic Records. The album was nominated for a Dove Award. It also reached Number 13 on the Billboard Gospel Chart.

Many talented artists worked on Bout It. His daughter Brandy sang on the album. Other artists included Kirk Whalum, Billy Preston, The William Brothers, Ray J, and Angie Winans. Brandy and Ray J provided background vocals. Kirk Whalum played saxophone, and Billy Preston sang on two songs.

Norwood later started working with Ray J and Brandy on their own albums. He left Atlantic Records in 2002.

New Label and I Believe (2005-2007)

Norwood's second album, I Believe, was released on May 22, 2006. It was released under a new label, Knockout Entertainment. This album featured a mix of traditional Southern gospel songs sung without instruments (a cappella).

Norwood also set up the KnockOut Vocal Studio in North Hollywood, California. After releasing I Believe, he focused on directing the UCC group. This was a large youth choir with 94 voices in South Central Los Angeles. He also served as the music minister at the Woodland Hills Church of Christ.

Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business (2010-2011)

Willie Norwood and his wife, Sonja, appeared in a TV show called Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business. The show followed their children, Brandy and Ray J, as they managed their family business and daily lives.

A music album called A Family Business was released on June 19, 2011. This album went along with the TV series. It included new songs from Willie, Sonja, Brandy, and Ray J. Brandy's daughter, Sy'rai, and her half-sister, Rain Smith, also contributed. Critics said the album was "awkward and adorable and really, really wholesome."

Christmas EP (2013)

On November 19, 2013, Norwood released a short album called Merry Christmas. It had three songs. One song, "Noel," was a duet with his son, Ray J.

Vocal Coach for B7 (2020)

In 2020, Willie Norwood was the vocal coach for his daughter Brandy's seventh studio album, B7.

Willie Norwood's Family Life

Willie Norwood is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. He married Sonja Bates. They have two children: Brandy Rayana, born on February 11, 1979, and Willie Ray, known as Ray J, born on January 17, 1981.

Norwood raised his children in a Christian home. His daughter Brandy started singing in the local church choir because of his work there. She performed her first gospel solo when she was only two years old.

Willie Norwood became a grandfather on June 16, 2002. That's when Brandy gave birth to her daughter, Sy'rai Iman Smith. His son Ray J also has two children with his wife Princess Love. Their daughter, Melody Love, was born on May 22, 2018. Their son, Epik Ray, was born on January 7, 2020.

Discography

• 2001: Bout It
• 2006: I Believe
• 2011: A Family Business
• 2013: Merry Christmas – EP