Sharrie Williams’ concert was on the first night of the International Jazz Festival in Bansko. She literally captivated the audience with her beautiful and powerful voice, stage presence and unique style. Blues, gospel and rock are the styles that she prefers.

Over the years, Sharrie has had the opportunity to record with renowned artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Guy, Larry Garner, etc. Her first two albums were issued by the German company Crosscute Records - "Hard Drivin 'Woman" in 2004 and "Live at Bay Carr Blues Festival in France" in 2007. Sharrie is a highly demanded artist in Europe and the U.S. She is touring in Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands and others. Twice nominated for the soul-blues artist of the year, in 2012 she was awarded the Album of the Year award by L'Academie du Jazz in Paris.

Sharrie’s talent and passion for her music have placed her in great demand in Europe as well as America. Touring Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Luxembourg, Africa, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Turkey, Russia, Dubai United Emirates, Canada and still counting. She has released 5 CDs. Songs from the newest CD were on the program of her gig in Bansko. She told journalists in Bansko about her teachers in the profession and her favorite activities outside of music. It turned out that she never had the opportunity to meet their idols, but has learned from Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Etta James... Her band is international. On the bass is Hungarian Herr Attila, Pietro Taucher is on the piano, only drummer Christopher is from the U.S. 

Sharrie began singing at the age of 12 with the choir of Greater Williams Temple COGIC (Church of God in Christ). She says that her reason to sing the blues is rooted in her difficult childhood - growing up without a mother, she was subjected to violence and had to endure multiple hardships. The blues is the music by which I express myself best, she says. In recent years one of the most important things in her life is working with children who have been victims of domestic violence and drug addicts. She has held this uphill battle for years and is now “clean”. Now she tries to help children under such addictions with conversations, with songs and her personal example.

Sharrie Williams is a happy mother of two sons and even has grandchildren. She also loves to cook and does it with her band when they have free time. Also sehe loves to engage in gardening. "But nothing can compare with singing. I'm here in Bansko because I love my job, I love to sing."

English evrsion: Rossitsa Petcova