​DAVID WILLIAMS
songwriter, writer, americana, gypsy jazz, and blues, instrumentalist
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Acoustic/americana/Folk Songs by DW
Also available on YouTube:
Awards
Emmy-winning songwriter for PBS songs about animals and environment.
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American Library Association Notable Award in songwriting.
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National Endowment of the Arts Folk Music Grant to study with Jethro Burns on mandolin.
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Illinois Arts awards in Fiction Writing & songwriting.
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David's "Route 66" song chosen as the official song by State of Illinois for the 100th anniversary of the historic road, 2005.
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NAPPA Gold Award in music.
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China Cultural Exchange Grant, 2011.
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Music Discography (Selected)
Over 20 original albums spanning folk, Americana, gypsy jazz, and children’s educational music. Highlights include:
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Tipping My Hat to Leonard (2018)
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Rainforest and Tropical Animals (2003, NAPPA Award)
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Route 66 (1995, IAC Grant & NPR Feature)
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Oh, The Animals (ALA Award Winner)
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Wild Bear Nature (2011, Educational Series)
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Snake Oil, Dust of the Stars (2022)
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TRICKSTER CAROUSEL cabaret music stories
"Williams works magic." Newsweek Magazine
"Williams' songs teach as well as entertain." Chicago Tribune
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"Nashville resident, outstanding poet and gifted singer/songwriter Williams is genius. Each [of his] song is pristine and magical as it brings you in . . . ." Nashville Music Guide
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"When first listening to David Williams, one is taken back to the classic jazz musicians and their characteristics of being strong vocalists. Featured on the track is a mix of sultry jazz and a reflecting lyrical rant. With the strumming of the guitar and the light variety of other instruments in the background, Williams pays homage to the traditional gypsy jazz while making it into something completely his own." The Music Court
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“You will be knocked out by Williams. . . reminiscent of Ry Cooder and Leon Redbone--terrific.”
The Chicago Sun Times
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“I’ve seen a lot of singer-songwriters pass through over the years; most of them quickly forgotten. But every once in awhile, someone rises up with a real talent for lyrics, and such a talent is David Williams.”
Come For To Sing
All songs by David Wiliams © 2025
Blues & Gypsy Jazz Band Songs by DW
Recent Studio Recordings
Click on any album to hear songs--free
Music Discography (Selected). Over 20 original albums spanning folk, Americana, gypsy jazz, and children’s educational music.
Highlights include:
​
• Tipping My Hat to Leonard (2018)•
Rainforest and Tropical Animals (2003, NAPPA Award)
​
• Route 66 (1995, IAC Grant & NPR Feature)
• Oh, The Animals (ALA Award Winner)
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• Wild Bear Nature (2011, Educational Series)
•Snake Oil, Dust of the Stars (2022)
Downloadable high res photos
Contact
Get in touch with Trapdoor Media for inquiries or collaborations. Reach us at 720-308-0915 or email us at david@graphicrecordingvn.com.
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