Vanessa Williams, the living legend is about to set the music world on fire with an incredible new album—her first in a decade-and-a-half—masterfully created with old friends filling the album with amazing songs. Yes, please!
It’s not all that surprising that Vanessa Williams, one of our country’s entertainment national treasures, has launched a new recording label, Mellian Music—assuming full creative control—as part of Warner Music Group’s independent label division. It’s also not necessarily shocking that Williams is releasing her first album in 15 years (the first single, the soon-to-be, monster-hit banger “Legs (Keep Dancing)” drops April 26 with the rest of the album out later this year). But the fact that she’s working with a lot of the crew she made some of her most iconic hits with, is, well, everything. Vanessa Williams is back in a major way and this time, she’s calling the shots.
“What a joy it is to be making new music behind the mic again with old friends,” says the 11-time Grammy nominee. “There’s a certain comfort in creating new works in the studio while reminiscing about how so many years in this business have brought successes, excitement, and lasting memories. Always moving forward is what drives me. Every challenge is exciting. And more new music to share with my fans is the fuel that lights my fire.”
Speaking of fire, that’s precisely the emoji you better have on hand when you share “Legs (Keep Dancing)” on your social media platforms. Mike Ruiz, who photographed the superstar for this feature, is her longtime creative collaborator and has spearheaded most of the creative visuals surrounding the album including her video for the first single, which he directed. Also, Ruiz introduced Williams to Bill Coleman, the hit-maker genius behind Peace Bisquit, who produced most of the head-exploding remixes for “Legs.”
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz @mikeruizone
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon @718blondeHair: Chuck Amos @chuckielovehair
Hair: Niko Weddle at Judy Casey using L’Oreal Matrix @nikoweddle @judycaseyinc
Makeup: Lijha Stewart @lijhajade
Makeup: Deney Adam @deney_adamSet Design: Jasin Cadic @jasincadicFashion Market Assistant: Skylar Elizabeth @skylar.e
Fashion Stylist Interns: Richelle Hodson, Yanesza Rowe @not_spelled_rochelle @yanesza
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine @by_danalarcon
Interview Questions by Renata Salazar, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine @renatasalazzar
Location: Love Studios NYC @lovestudiosnyc