ALUMNI NEWS
RC & The Gritz Albums
Pay Your Tab (Rexamillion, 2013) The Feel (Ropeadope, 2016) Analog World (Ropeadope, 2019) Live In LA * (Spectrasonics, 2019) Live in Deep Ellum (Rexamillion, 2021) Live in Paris (Rexamillion, 2023)
RC and the Gritz performing.
“ I MET MANY OF MY MUSICAL INFLUENCES DOING FESTIVALS ALL OVER THE WORLD, LIKE HERBIE HANCOCK, GEORGE DUKE, QUINCY JONES, JUST TO NAME A FEW.”
To financially withstand slow periods in his music career, Williams, who is a member of the Ft. Worth (TX) Alumni Chapter, obtained a life insur- ance agent license in 2021. In between gigs, he helps musicians, families, and friends obtain much-needed life insurance. “Get a financial person in your life, save money, because touring comes in spurts.” He advocates for learning about the business of the music business and finding multiple forms of income because most musi- cians will not be fortunate enough to make it to the top. “For young musi- cians who will become producers and writers, please discuss splits, points, session fees, and artist agreements. Get a music attorney because you can be used and not treated right if you don’t have everything in order. Learn the music business!” ♦
and music director, I’ve been able to put other younger musicians from DFW onto major gigs, and that’s the thing, it’s about passing it forward. I was brought in like that, getting musicians from my area onto gigs is what it’s all about for me.” Williams looks back on his career and counts the lessons and blessings traveling with famous artists afforded him. “While touring, I learned so much about music, styles of music, and I met so many musicians and artists that I’m still friends with today. I met many of my musical influences doing festivals all over the world, like Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Quincy Jones, just to name a few. Quincy was a great mentor to me, like many young musicians he
met, he would tell us so many stories about his career and recordings.” For younger brothers who aspire to be professional musicians and record- ing artists, Williams emphasized that, “it may look easy, and look like we make a lot of money, but it’s a grind.” He advises new artists to listen and learn many musical styles because it will make you a better, all-around musician. Additionally, his advice is to have a professional attitude, a strong work ethic, and approach the craft as a student. “Your name and character are key, even though the music industry is big, it’s small when it comes to relationships. It’s essential to learn the music and be overly prepared when coming onto new gigs.”
For more info on RC Williams & The Gritz, visit: https://rcandthegritz.com
82 THE JOURNAL ♦ WINTER 2025-2026
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