William "Smooth" Wardlaw

William ‘Smooth’ Wardlaw was born and raised in Alexandria Virginia. At an early age, William found his love for music. At age 7, he began singing in the choir while attending Macedonia Baptist Church in Arlington, Virginia. William, at only16 years old, went on to sing with a local group called “Ovation Band. Ovation performed for several sold out audiences around the Washington, DC area, soliciting praise from local bands throughout the region.

William attended and graduated from TC Williams High School in Alexandria, and while he was there he won several talent shows by displaying the skills and talent of a seasoned veteran. His favorite R&B singer was none other than the great Luther Vandross. William had not only Luther’s sound but he also had Luther’s stage presence and the ability to captivate an audience.

William also credits other artist such as late great entertainers Michael Jackson and James Brown for influencing his love of music. But William was so enamored with Luther that he started performing several shows featuring all of Luther Vandross’ greatest hits to adoring audiences up and down the East Coast. William has been featured on the Spirit of Washington and the Odyssey cruise ships in the Nation’s Capital on several occasions, and he loves to perform so much that he will break out in song at any given moment.

William’s stage name, ‘SMOOTH’, comes from his singing ability as well as his captive stage presence. Smooth William has opened up for artist such as Stanley Clark and Ray, Goodman, and Brown. He has also performed at the Carter Baron Theater and the Fort DuPont Summer Theater. Recently, William has been crafting his work while preparing for a 2010 tour entitled “Luther Relives”.

While gaining success, William has managed to stay humble throughout his singing career by giving back to the community where he grew up by performing free concerts for the people who have supported him his entire career. When William is not performing, he enjoys listening to music and spending time with his daughter, Janiya.

A single parent, William credits ‘GOD’ for giving him the ability to be a good father to his daughter. Smooth William can also be heard on The Michael Stephens Project Jazz CD called, “Half Past Autumn” with a rendition of Michael Jackson’s“Lady in my Life”.

Smooth William’s first solo project, ‘SMOOTH AS EVER’, is slated to be released in soon. Smooth William has managed to perform to standing ovations all over the region, while juggling a full time job that has kept him humble and thankful throughout his life.

Through Smooth William, the late Luther Vandross continues to bring to life love ballads for everyone to enjoy.