Michael J. Williams

Michael J. Williams is an ardent music writer whose lifelong passion for sound was sparked in childhood as his parents filled their home with the big bands of the swing era. Fascinated by the stories behind the music, he eagerly read album liner notes and, at age twelve, attended a performance by the Stan Kenton Orchestra — an experience that left him inspired and already beginning to cogitate on the power of live performance. Majoring in English, Michael discovered his calling when a college editor asked him to review a local concert. After relocating to San Diego in 1980 and attending San Diego State University, he continued writing for the campus newspaper, covering a range of topics while steadily building a reputation for insightful music journalism. Over time, he formed lasting friendships with regional artists and observed the creative synergy between musicians from San Diego and Mexico. Remarkably, his NAMM Oral History interview marked his very first video interview — a fitting milestone for someone who has spent decades documenting the voices of others.