Eric Willis – Bio
Eric Willis, a native of Houma, Louisiana, is a dynamic and accomplished musician, deeply rooted in the rich traditions of jazz. A product of the Alvin Batiste Jazz Program at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Eric honed his craft with formal training in both percussion and piano, laying the foundation for his diverse musical career.
A multi-talented artist, Eric excels as a music director, songwriter, arranger, and record producer. His versatile talents have allowed him to work in various capacities across the music industry, from live performances to behind-the-scenes production. Eric served as the music director at Chase Oaks Church in Plano, Texas, and has held the same role at Highland Park U.M.C. and Park Cities B.C.
Eric's expertise as a music director also extended to working with legendary artists such as Angela Bofill, Melba Moore, Sara Dash, and Miki Howard. His creative vision as an arranger was pivotal in helping Star Search contestant Rick Bernard win seven consecutive times, thanks to the musical scores Eric crafted for his performances.
As a sought-after composer and arranger, Eric has written music for a wide range of artists, including Michael and Regina Winans, Phillips Craig and Dean, Mercy Me, Russ Taff, Billy Steele (Sounds of Blackness), and the DFW Mass Choir. His performances have seen him collaborate with jazz icons such as Wayman Tisdale, Tom Braxton, Norman Brown, Peter White, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Les McCann, Roy Hargrove, Yarbrough & Peoples, Mark Harper, Bernard Wright, and many others.
Eric is also a prolific songwriter with over 300 titles in his catalog. One of his notable contributions is the title track "Bounce" on Tom Braxton's first nationally released smooth jazz CD on Rendezvous Records. He also wrote and produced on the “Common Heart” album, a compilation featuring works from seventeen churches in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Beyond his musical career, Eric is proud of his service in the U.S. Army, where he held the position of Section Chief for the 77th U.S. Army Band at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
Eric’s discography spans a wide range of genres, showcasing his skills as both a performer and a producer. His most recent release, Lady In Red, is a testament to his artistry and evolving sound.
Selected Discography:
Lady In Red – Eric Willis
Father To Son – Eric & Josh Willis
Imagine This – Tom Braxton
Finally – Martha Burks
Home Sweet Home – Tom Braxton
Bounce – Tom Braxton
Joyful Dance – Tom Braxton
Never Alone – Tyrone Johnson
Hymnology – Highland Park UMC
Hymnology II – Highland Park UMC
Peace Like A River – Eric Willis
Katalasso – Tom Braxton
Eric Willis’ vast experience and rich musical contributions have solidified his reputation as a versatile and influential artist, with a career that continues to evolve and inspire.
