"The most important lesson that I’ve learned on my musical path is just to be honest about your music, be loyal to your following and put forth your best efforts because you’re an influencer and that is not to be taken for granted."

William Bell: The Soul Legend

The man who co-wrote one of the most covered songs in blues/rock music history is also an original “soul man” - and he’s still going strong! William Bell, who wrote “Born Under a Bad Sign” with Booker T. Jones, a tune first recorded by Albert King and made legend by Cream, returned to the limelight with the revived Stax Records and his Grammy-award winning album, ‘This is Where I Live.’ William Bell was an early signing by the original Stax Records, the same legendary label that later released recordings by Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Isaac Hayes, and The Staple Singers. William Bell is one of the last of the original soul singers - and he’s still going strong. Legendary Soul Vocalist William Bell released his first full-length 12-tracks album, since 2016’s Grammy Award-winning album “This Is Where I Live”, entitled “One Day Closer To Home”, on the Wilbe Records imprint. William is also a member of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame and featured prominently in the Stax Museum.  The National Endowment for the Arts named Bell one of their 2020 fellows, the "nation's highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. These lifetime honor awards are given in recognition of both artistic excellence and efforts to sustain cultural traditions for future generations." 

(William Bell, one of the last of the original soul singers / Photo © by David McLister)

Born in Memphis but based in Atlanta since 1970, William Bell was one of the pioneers of the classic Stax/Volt sound, joining such other illustrious musical forces at that label as Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the MG’s, Albert King, Eddie Floyd, Carla and Rufus Thomas, The Staple Singers and the Bar-Kays, among others. The Soul music icon returns with an 12-tracks album that shows us that at 83 he has lost none of his brilliance. The long awaited new William Bell album's "One Day Closer To Home" released in 2023. "One Day Closer To Home" is a monumental work consisting of elements and reflections which represent the whole of American Music. Pleasing to the ears as well as the soul, this release confirms that music is truly the universal language. William Bell is one of the last of the original soul singers - and he’s still going strong.

Interview by Michael Limnios         Special Thanks: William Bell &  Larry Eaglin

How has the Soul/Blues music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your life the most?

Soul and Blues has influenced my views of the world in that both genres speak to the adversities that Black people have experienced and overcome worldwide and continue to do so in the present.

The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in Memphis, TN changed my life the most.

How do you describe your songbook music philosophy? Where does your lyrics creative drive come from?

My philosophy regarding songwriting is that through personal experiences and observations as a people watcher, one can collect a wealth of material to write about.

My lyrical creative drive comes from again, watching people and living life.

Why do you think that William Bells' music and songs continues to generate such a devoted following?

My fan base is loyal I think because they can feel the honesty and truthfulness in what I’m writing whether it be hypothetical or not. I write about what I would feel or how I’d react in any given situation and that’s something that they can relate to.

"Soul music comes out of the church experience, so the socio-cultural implications are far reaching. People are people the world over sharing the same wishes, frustrations and desires and therefore readily identify with music that speaks to that." (William Bell / Photo © by Ginette Callaway)

How has the Black American music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

Black American music is a time capsule. My views haven’t changed very much. The more things change, the more they remain the same.

 How do you describe your songbook and music philosophy? What is the driving force behind your continuous support for your music/songs?

I write about life and times. I also write with clarity and honesty…good, bad or indifferent.

What moment changed your life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

The death of my Mother changed my life the most.

There have been four major highlights in my career.

1. My appearance for President and First Lady Obama at The White House.
2. Receiving a Grammy Award for the first time in my career.
3. Being inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame this year.
4. Being a National Endowment for the Arts Fellow recipient fellow.

Why do you think that William Bell’s music legacy continues to generate such a devoted following?

I write honestly about life’s experiences. People relate to this in every generation.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

Good lyrical content and good melodic structure.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Love is eternal, hate is the most dominate feeling. Every nationality, society and generation relates to the music of their times.

"Nowadays I miss the genuine honesty in music, the story telling and information offered to help one in life. Also, I miss the musical ability and lyrical structure in the music. My fear is that we forget through modern technology how to fully enjoy life." (William Bell / Photo © by Ginette Callaway)

What is the impact of Soul/Blues music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I know this sounds cliché’, but Soul/Blues music is the soundtrack of life. As long as they can feel it and relate, I’m satisfied.

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?

Yes, visual art and dance are just as influential.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

Nowadays I miss the genuine honesty in music, the story telling and information offered to help one in life. Also, I miss the musical ability and lyrical structure in the music.

My fear is that we forget through modern technology how to fully enjoy life.

What is the impact of Soul music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Soul music comes out of the church experience, so the socio-cultural implications are far reaching. People are people the world over sharing the same wishes, frustrations and desires and therefore readily identify with music that speaks to that.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

The most important lesson that I’ve learned on my musical path is just to be honest about your music, be loyal to your following and put forth your best efforts because you’re an influencer and that is not to be taken for granted.

John Coltrane said "My music is the spiritual expression of what I am...". How do you understand the spirit, music, and the meaning of life?

I totally agree with John Coltrane. It defines the man that I am....what I write about, what I sing about is a part of me and my life and perhaps my musical works can help someone in life in general and perhaps help someone to avoid the pitfalls in life as well.

William Bell - Home

(William Bell / Photo © by Ginette Callaway)