- Genre :: Gospel
- Listen :: Feels So Good | You Are | Safety
- View :: Band Website
- Download :: Hi-Res Image
Oscar Williams Jr. and Perfected Praise (Saint Louis, MO) is an award-winning gospel ensemble with a spiritually refreshing sound uplifting and intriguing audiences worldwide with gospel music. The group combines an array of talents and styles which converge into a cutting edge melodic sound. Oscar Williams Jr. and Perfected Praise has performed in the Vatican for the Pope, toured with international pop star Elisa, and performed with GRAMMY® winner Jason Mraz. Oscar Williams Jr. and Perfected Praise has also toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe including performances in Switzerland, Italy, and Germany, and most recently the Czech Republic.
Oscar Williams Jr. (piano and voice) writes spiritual, uplifting melodies that speak to audiences. Williams’ music is for the people, and it offers antidotes to life's problems and difficult situations while reminding them of the good things in life. He is inspired by a variety of sources, ranging from renowned musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Elisa and Erykah Badu to spectators tapping their feet and humming. He released Unstoppable, his first album, in 2005 through Aleho/Warner/Ryko Records. He has toured extensively throughout Jamaica, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, France, and Austria. Williams received bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Missouri-St Louis.
Thelma Guyton (vocals) began singing professionally at age nine. Her sound is a mixture of genres and styles fused to create a melting pot of eclectic soul music. Guyton has been inspired by female artists such as Brandy and Kim Burrell, and now aspires to uplift young women through her own music. She has had the opportunity to write and work with artists such as Faith Evans, 112, Dream, Ne-Yo, and Jack Knight. At the age of 14, Guyton was a contestant on the popular television series Showtime at the Apollo, and by the age of 16 was signed by Bad Boy Entertainment as part of the Bad Boy Gospel Project.
Tracy Smith (vocals), born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, has incorporated gospel, jazz, opera, and country styles into her own timeless and creative style. She began singing at age three, and lists her influences as her family, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Donnie McClurkin. Participating in various talent competitions, Smith was the Grand Prize Winner in the “Christian Artist Talent Search” sponsored by the Inspirational Network, and a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol. Smith attended Florissant Valley Community College, where she studied music and music theory and received a certificate in business management.
Meaghan Williams (vocals), from St. Louis, Missouri, was born into a musical family that nurtured her talent at a young age. Williams’s style is rooted spiritually and musically in The New Jerusalem Cathedral—Church of God In Christ, and influenced by musicians such as Cecilia Beasley, Tramaine Hawkins and Lady Eneazer Moore. Williams has travelled internationally and sung with such artists as Levi “Too” King, John Legend and Kirk Franklin. Williams’ voice is expressive, unique, and poised, and her music encourages the soul.
