Basin resident and jazz artist MJ Williams got a letter in the mail this week from the Montana Area Music Association, inaugurating her as a member of its first cohort to the Montana Musician Hall of Fame. Williams is in good company, as others awarded this honor include singer/songwriter Rob Quist, Pearl Jam co-founder and bass player Jeff Ament, violinist Beth Youngblood, American Indian singer/songwriter Jack Gladstone and comedian/hip-hop artist Reggie Watts.
“I think MAMA is a great organization doing good work for Montana musicians,” Williams said. “I feel honored to be included with this line-up of inductees.”
Williams, a vocalist and trombone player, met the criteria for this honor, which includes having a demonstrable, positive impact on music in Montana and exercising this impact over a period of not less than 20 years.
Among her many achievements, Williams has co-founded several bands and trios, and has performed at festivals such as the New York City Women in Jazz Festival, the Bellevue Jazz Festival and the Bumbershoot Jazz Festival. She has produced several albums, including,, “By All Means,” “What We Had in Mind,” “Taking the Hook” and” I Can Hear Your Heart.”
The Montana Area Music Association is a Montana-based nonprofit which connects and supports up-and-coming musicians through professional development and promotion, while strengthening and engaging the great Montana music community.
