By RENE RAY DE LA CRUZ / Daily Press
PHELAN — Musician and former Soul Train dancer William McByrd recently announced the official release of his new album, “Open Your Heart,” according to a Tate Group news release.
Recorded under the independent record label Tate Group, Byrd’s 17-track offering is a compilation of catchy and unique R&B tracks that will get listeners “on the groove to dance.”
Byrd, who lives in Phelan, said his new album is fused with pop rhythms comparable to Justin Timberlake and Usher, and many of his songs were were created “through life and emotion.”
Donna Drover, who has known Byrd for a number of years, said the musician used to lead worship years ago at Phelan Community Church.
“He has a wonderful voice and his album should be good,” Drover said. “He’s a very nice guy and he has a generous heart.”
Drover said Byrd was more than happy to perform during a cancer fundraiser a few years back.
In a recent interview with “Soul Train,” Byrd shared his life as a preacher’s son who sang in the church choir. He said growing up in a tough Chicago neighborhood taught him how to respect and value people, and to strive to achieve his dreams.
After college, Byrd said he moved to California with the goal of making it in the music industry. Soon, he became a featured dancer on “Soul Train” and London’s “Soul Train 620,” appeared in various music videos and performed with the group Ra Ve and various artists.
Byrd said he was a judge in the casting of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” video and toured the globe with various artists. He also honed his skills as he worked with people associated with Young Stars, A&M, Universal and Knott’s Berry Farm.
Byrd told “Soul Train” that during the filming of many of Jackson’s videos, he saw a lot of things that went on behind the scenes.
“I met Michael on the last day of filming ‘Smooth Criminal,'” said Byrd in the interview. “He asked me my name and if I was enjoying myself. I told him my name and that I was having a great time. I told him I appreciated being able to watch the filming of the video.”
Read More & Buy Byrd’s New Album: http://www.vvdailypress.com/article/20150315/NEWS/150319836
Source: Daily Press / RENE RAY DE LA CRUZ / MJ-Upbeat.com
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