Willie Norwood

Willie Ray Norwood Sr. (born November 30, 1955) is an American gospel singer. He is the father and voice coach of R&B singers Brandy and Ray J. Career 1975–1992: Early career Willie Norwood's career in the music industry began at Jackson State University on a band scholarship during the 1970s where he joined a soul music group named The Composers, becoming their lead vocalist and trumpeter. The group found a modicum of success playing the Mississippi club scene and began opening up for acts such as Rufus and Chaka Khan and Lou Rawls. Norwood soon moved to Hollywood with the group where they attracted a loyal following. The fast-paced Hollywood scene caused Norwood to stray from his religious upbringing, causing him and his wife, Sonja Bates-Norwood, to move back to McComb, Mississippi, in the late 1970s to begin a family as well as to regain focus. He began working with local community choirs in Los Angeles while beginning post-graduate work at California State University. Norwood's work with the choirs afforded a young Brandy and Ray J the opportunity to enhance their blooming musical interest.