Jazz drummer and educator Billy Williams has officially signed on as the newest artist on the SONOR Drums roster, joining a legacy of percussionists who have relied on the brand’s craftsmanship for decades. The announcement marks a meaningful moment in Williams’ expansive career, one that spans continents, styles, and generations of musicianship.
Billy Williams grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where his introduction to music came early, on Sundays, seated behind a drum set in the family’s church. With no formal instruction in those formative years, he learned by ear and instinct, absorbing rhythm from the gospel services his mother directed as choir leader. That early environment shaped not just his timing but also his approach to music, which is something that he breathes and listens to.
Billy Williams later refined his playing at the Governor’s School for the Arts and Virginia Commonwealth University, but his greatest lessons came on the bandstand. Touring internationally and recording with jazz luminaries like Benny Golson, Cyrus Chestnut, Steve Davis, and Ellis Marsalis, Williams became known for his sensitive, deliberate style, a drummer who never overplays but always makes an impact.
With more than 50 studio sessions to his name, his work includes a wide range of projects, including his own recent solo album, ”.beedubyah.” The record is a reflection of his musical ethos: space, groove, and dialogue. “Drumming is a conversation,” he often says. “I’m not there to dominate the room, I’m there to listen as much as to play.”
Speaking about his decision to join SONOR, Billy Williams was direct. “For me, it’s about dependability and tone,” he said. “SONOR drums have a feel that’s responsive and honest. I know exactly what I’m getting every time I sit down, whether it’s an old kit or one fresh off the line.”
That consistency matters to Williams, especially with the demands of frequent touring and studio work. “When I’m playing night after night in different cities or recording something that lives forever, I can’t second-guess the instrument. That’s why this relationship with SONOR makes sense.”
Williams also maintains a strong presence in music education. He has served as an artist-in-residence at respected institutions such as Duke University and JazzSTL, and his influence extends into digital spaces through contributions to the “Straight Ahead!” sample libraries, used by both producers and students seeking authentic jazz drumming.
Now living in Richmond, Virginia, Billy Williams balances his time between performing, mentoring young players, and raising a family. The endorsement from SONOR, he says, isn’t about flash or marketing. It’s about joining a company that shares his values: care, consistency, and commitment to the music.
For audiences and drummers alike, this collaboration is a nod to something that matters more than speed or spectacle. It’s about feel. It’s about listening. It’s about legacy.