Raised on the South Side of Chicago – PAULETTE MCWILLIAMS started her singing career by fronting Rufus and touring for 2 years. After her child was born she wanted to be home more so she introduced Rufus to Chaka Kahn (her dear friend) and supported herself by singing jingles in Chicago, NY and LA. Jazz guitarist Phil Upchurch recorded a demo of Paulette and sent it to Quincy Jones. In 1977 she moved to LA and began a 40-year music career with Quncy Jones and singing back up for Michael Jackson. She became a top-of-the-game sought-after back up singer for all the greats. She went on the world tour with Quincy. Their musicians were comprised of Wah Wah Watson, guitar; Ray Brown who acted as their Manager; Sahib Shihab, bari sax and Frank Rosalino on trombone to name a few.

Paulette’s list of celebrities she has worked with over the years reads like “Who Who” in the Music Business. Patti Austin, James Ingram, Donny Hathaway, Cannonball Adderley, Sarah Vaughan, Aretha Franklin (toured with) Luther Vandross for 20 years, Bette Midler (The Divine Miss M” on Broadway) Marvin Gaye (toured with), Whitney Houston, Johnny Mathis, Steely Dan (toured with) Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Billy Idol and David Bowie (to name a few)

Paulette McWilliams is a singer/songwriter. Quincy always said that she reminded him of Sarah Vaughan and Aretha Franklin put together. She has recently recorded 2 albums – “A Woman’s Story” and “These are the Sweetest Things.”  and is in the process of recording one more. Her Producer/arranger is Kamau Kenyatta – the same Producer who won Gregory Porter his Grammys.