Willie Norwood facts for kids

William Ray Norwood Sr., born on November 30, 1955, is an American gospel singer. He is also known as Willie Norwood. He is the father and vocal coach for famous R&B singers Brandy and Ray J.

Willie Norwood's Music Journey

Starting in Music (1975–1992)

Willie Norwood's music career began in the 1970s. He attended 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 quite popular in Mississippi. They even opened shows for famous artists like Rufus and Chaka Khan. Later, Norwood 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 faith. Willie began working with local community choirs in Los Angeles. He also started studying at California State University. His work with choirs helped his young children, Brandy and Ray J, develop their own musical talents.

First Album Success (2001–2004)

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

His children, Brandy and Ray J, sang background vocals on Bout It. Other artists like Kirk Whalum and Billy Preston also contributed. The Williams Brothers wrote and produced some songs on the album. After this, Norwood worked with Ray J and Brandy on their new albums. He left Atlantic Records in 2002.

New Beginnings and I Believe (2005–2007)

Norwood's second album, I Believe, came out 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 opened the KnockOut Vocal Studio in North Hollywood, California. He recorded 12 a cappella gospel songs there. After the album, he focused on directing the UCC, a large youth choir in South Central Los Angeles. He also served as a music minister at the Woodland Hills Church of Christ.

Family Business on TV (2010–2011)

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

A music album, also 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 other singers also contributed. Critics described the album as a "wholesome collection."

Christmas Music and Coaching (2013–2020)

On November 19, 2013, Norwood released a short album (EP) called Merry Christmas. It had three songs, including a duet with Ray J called "Noel."

In 2020, Willie Norwood was a 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. 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