Shaun Williamson
Veteran Blues-Rock vocalist Shaun Williamson, hailing from the Gulf Coast of Florida, was first introduced to the music world like a scene out of the movie "Rock Star".
His vocal talents were discovered early on by the late LYNYRD SKYNYRD bassist, LEON WILKESON. When singer Ronnie Hammond left the legendary Southern Rock group THE ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION, it was Leon's endorsement that got Shaun the audition with the band. Shaun, barely out of his teens, found himself out on the big stage in front of 70,000 people at Atlanta's Fulton County Stadium as the new lead singer of ARS.
After his three year stint with ARS and looking to broaden his musical horizons, Shaun headed overseas to Germany where he formed the band BACKBONE SLIDE. The band was managed by legendary ROLLING STONES manager, ANDREW LOOG OLDHAM.
They released one album on Mausoleum Records and toured Europe and the U.K opening for bands such as the ROB LAMOTHE lead RIVERDOGS, MOTHER'S FINEST, SAXON and many more. This highly regarded album was recorded and mixed by Atlanta based producer/engineer EDD MILLER (38. SPECIAL, GEORGIA SATELLITES).
Shaun remained in Germany after BACKBONE SLIDE where he became a highly sought after studio vocalist. One of the many albums he was featured on was a MOODY BLUES "and friends" album, featuring JUSTIN HAYWARD, MICHAEL SADDLER (SAGA) and a full symphony orchestra!
He has also enjoyed notable success in Europe with his blues band THE SUNNYLAND BLUESBAND. The band recorded three outstanding albums and scored a number 3 hit on the American Blues charts for their song “RUN FOR COVER”. They were a staple of the major European blues festivals, and often toured with such luminaries as THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS, JOHN MAYALL, JOHNNY WINTER, and B.B KING to name just a few.
On his return to the United States, Shaun was approached by KING KARMA bassist, Todd Ronning. The band was once part of the PAUL RODGERS (FREE, BAD COMPANY, QUEEN) band, and they were looking to find a bluesy rock vocalist on the same level with their former boss. Not long after their first phone call, Shaun flew north from Atlanta to Vancouver, Canada to join the band. The group immediately began writing the songs for what would later become their critically acclaimed debut album!
The album was recorded and produced by “ORIGINAL SWAMPER” JIMMY JOHNSON down in Muscle Shoals, Alabama at the famed 3614 Jackson Hwy studio. Jimmy Johnson’s credits with the ROLLING STONES, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, PAUL SIMON, and ARETHA FRANKLIN is the stuff of legend.
KING KARMA has shared stages with PAUL RODGERS, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, KID ROCK, CHEAP TRICK, NAZARETH, TED NUGENT, and a host of other well known touring acts.
Shaun signed on as a featured Lead Vocalist for THE MYSTIC ORCHESTRA "FLASHBACK" Classic Rock Experience arena tour in August of 2008.
He lives in Los Angeles, and is a highly regarded Vocal coach & session singer.
He recently performed vocal coaching duties & backing vocals on the debut album of the band BURN TO SHINE from Louisville, KY. The album was recorded in Burbank, CA with producer TOBY WRIGHT (Alice in Chains, KORN, Sevendust) at the helm.
Partial credit list: BANDS:
THE ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION (Lead vocals 1986-1989)
KING KARMA (Centurion/Universal) (Lead Vocals 2002-current)
BACKBONE SLIDE (Mausoleum) (Lead Vocals 1990-1993)
THE SUNNYLAND BLUESBAND (INAKUSTIC) (Lead Vocals 1994-2001)
RECORDING PROJECTS:
Classic MOODY BLUES HITS (Feat. Justin Hayward & Friends-featured Lead Vocals on 4 tracks)
JAMES BROWN (The "Keep James outa jail record"didn't work)
TELEVISION/FILM:
VAMPIRE WARS (Sci-Fi-Lionsgate films 2005)
PRODUCERS:
TOBY WRIGHT
JIMMY JOHNSON(KING KARMA)
EDD MILLER (BACKBONE SLIDE)
BRENDAN O'BRIEN (JAMES BROWN SESSIONS)
RODNEY MILLS (JAMES BROWN)
TOMMY NEWTON (THE SUNNYLAND BLUESBAND)
THOMAS SCHMITT-ZIJIN (THE SUNNYLAND BLUESBAND)
PUBLISHING: KARMA FARM MUSIC (ASCAP)
Myspace Layout StealerPimp Myspace
