Cole Williams Shares Fuel for Activism Before Playing Jazz Fest Thursday

Cole Williams

In “The Milky Way,” the organizer/R&B singer names the songs that shape her music and work.

R&B singer Cole Williams leads with her activism. A month ago, she released the single “Inherit the Earth,” and since six or so months she released songs titled “Organize” and “Who Cares for the Houseless on the Holidays.” Look her up on YouTube and the first videos you find are “A Better Woman” and “Give Power to the People.”

Williams’ activism sounds like a natural extension of her music, which has clear musical roots in the socially conscious R&B and soul of the late ’60s and early ‘70s. Her songs aren’t retro, but production touches signal the cultural world that informs her music and work with The Greater New Orleans Citizens Relief Team, an organization she founded in 2020 to help the unhoused. The Brooklyn native living in New Orleans has made herself part of the community in more ways than one, also on the air on WWOZ as a DJ.

Cole Williams will play Jazz Fest on Thursday at 12:40 p.m. on the Congo Square Stage, and this year she has shared her Milky Way—the eight songs that define her musical universe. When Pluto is reinstated as the ninth planet, we’ll touch base again with Williams for one more choice.

Williams will also perform Friday at 9 p.m. at Buffa’s.

“Étude In E Major” - Chopin

This song feels like my childhood anthem. It’s the last song I learned to play as a piano student during my senior year of high school and even though it was difficult to learn, I always thought it was pretty. This is also the only song from my childhood repertoire I’ve heard my mother humming randomly as an adult. To this day, if I feel off balance all I have to do is play this song. And let there be peace

“Teach The Children” - The Gladiators

Given my work with adult and youth Houseless people and youth volunteers, this song reminds me of the authenticity of music and action. The arrangement is simple, emotive and intentional. This song feels so good to me

“Nijaay” - Orchestra Baobab

I love this group, but listening to “Nijaay” always motivates me. I’m especially inspired by their live performance at “Jazz In Marciac.” I think their live version is really interesting, and the lead singer’s voice is so warm and unique.

“I Wish I Knew How It Feels To Be Free” - Nina Simone

There are these songs that are historical pieces that we should all know. Some musicians really sing and make music about the peoples’ struggle and relief. There are many songs by Nina Simone that inspire me, however this song is the one I need to keep me going. This song reminds me that we all know how it feels to be free, so let’s start acting like it

“Ella’s Song” - Sweet Honey In The Rock

This song is part of my foundation as an organizer with The Houseless and The Greater New Orleans Citizens Relief Teams. This is an organizer anthem because it’s Ms. Ella Baker’s words, her speeches. Sweet Honey In The Rock’s put these teaching words to their a cappella vocals. This is music and action. This is a demonstration.

“In the Upper Room'' - Mahalia Jackson

My father is a huge Mahalia Jackson fan. He talked about her regularly and played her music. Because “Upper Room” is one of his favorite gospel songs, my father played this on repeat. I grew up in the church, so this song brings back a lot of childhood memories.

“Over The Rainbow” - Chocolate Milk

If you listen to my New Orleans Music Show on WWOZ, you know I’m a Chocolate Milk fan. This song is classic and classy. Sonically, I think this song was ahead of its time and is classic R&B. There’s a lot of musical history in this song.

“You And I” - Stevie Wonder

There are certain songs that create a blueprint of what music means to me. This is one of those songs. It’s so elegant. The melody feels like Love, sounds like Love, and has a message about the unconditional Love experienced by a woman and man when they’re unconditionally in love. Love is life.