Usually when you watch reality TV talent shows, you see an act perform and you either remember them or you don’t. The first time I heard the family music group, The Willis Clan, was on America’s Got Talent. The way their voices blended together was so harmonious you knew it was something in the genes. Not only that, but even in one performance I could see that family group had a discipline for their talent, and that they worked hard to perfect their craft. Most of the group members also played an instrument, flawlessly. Not very often is hard work witnessed when you see an act for the first time, but this wasn’t just another ordinary act, or so I thought. While they did make it to the quarter-finals, unfortunately they didn’t make it to the end of the show, and I admittedly lost sight of what the group was up to. Little did I know, it wouldn’t be too long and I’d be seeing them live myself.
We went to a matinee performance at the Ryman Auditorium during the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, TN. The lineup was stellar as it had been in the past, so it was a show we didn’t want to miss. We were even delighted to see that The Willis Clan would be gracing the stage at the Mother Church of Country Music. No, they didn’t win America’s Got Talent, but they didn’t need to. In my opinion, if they were singing at the Ryman Auditorium in Music City itself, they had made it. I was sitting in the sound booth for this show, and I got to hear the music from the top of the auditorium. The smooth blending of their 12 voices of varying ages, the sweet soft tones that came out of the lead singers and her back ups just blew us away. If you love a good family group that can harmonize and bring energy to a stage with their musical, vocal, and instrumental abilities, then you’ll love The Willis Clan. Even the youngest members of the family are part of the show. While they may not sing every song, they still participate by putting their best feet forward and dancing along to the songs their siblings are singing.
When I heard they were performing more, creating more music, I was definitely excited to hear more of what they had to offer. I’m just sorry I waited so long to finally hear their newest music. In 2015 they released a new album, “Heaven“. Usually with time, and hard work, something that was already good, only gets better. Their third CD is one that is packed full of their beautiful harmonies, and lyrics that relate to their faith and their roots. To say this CD is or is not as good as their others I cannot say, as I honestly haven’t heard their past CDs, but after hearing this one, I’m definitely going to. The songs have meaning that relates to them as a family and their beliefs, and they inspire thought and reflection for their fans listening to the words. Sometimes getting lost in the words, not understanding which way the intended message was meant to go, leaves a person thinking and pondering more to listen deeper and try and find meaning so it relates to themselves.
If you haven’t seen The Willis Clan perform live, on TV, or even on the reality TV show that they had during 2015 on TLC, then I suggest you see them if you get the chance. They have various stops throughout the U.S. this spring and summer, but the next big performance they have coming up is at Highline Ballroom in New York City on Friday, October 21st. If you are in the big city, be sure not to miss it!
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