{{about|the musician|the 19th-century architect|Warren Heywood Williams}} {{Use Australian English|date=July 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Warren H Williams | image = | alt = | caption = | background = solo_singer | birth_name = Warren Hedley Williams | alias = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1963|12|27|df=y}} | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth) --> | origin = Ntaria (Hermannsburg), Northern Territory, Australia | instrument = Guitar | genre = Aboriginal country music | occupation =Singer, songwriter, radio broadcaster | years_active = 1990s–present<!-- 1986–present --> | label =CAAMA, ABC Music | website = }} thumb|273x273px|Warren. H. Williams in Alice Springs, 2011 '''Warren Hedley Williams''' (born 27 December 1963) is an Aboriginal Australian singer, musician and songwriter from Ntaria in Central Australia.
Williams has also worked in radio and as an actor and has run as an Australian Greens candidate in the 2010 and 2013 Federal elections.
==Early life== Williams was born on 27 December 1963 in Hermannsburg, the son of country musician Gus Williams.<ref name=hofbio>{{cite web | title=Warren H Williams, 2009 | website=Australian Country Music Hall of Fame | url=https://ehive.com/collections/200851/objects/1465184/warren-h-williams | access-date=8 November 2022}}</ref> He is an Arrernte man.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=Biographical details|url=http://www.warrenhwilliams.com/biocontact.html|work=Warren H. Williams|publisher=Warren H Williams|access-date=6 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306144442/http://www.warrenhwilliams.com/biocontact.html|archive-date=6 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
He started playing guitar at the age of six with his father,<ref name=hofbio/> and later went to school at a Lutheran college in Adelaide:<ref name=egan2019>{{cite web | title=Hermannsburg Mission: questions of survival |first= Ted |last=Egan| author-link=Ted Egan| website=Alice Springs News | date=23 December 2019 | url=https://alicespringsnews.com.au/2019/12/24/hermannsburg-mission-questions-of-survival/ | access-date=15 November 2022 |others= Speech by former Administrator Ted Egan AO at the launch of Volume II of ''The Tale of Frieda Kaysser'' by John Strehlow.}}</ref> Immanuel College in Novar Gardens.<ref>{{cite web | title=2010-10-21: Statement by Speaker: Death of Mr Kasper Gus Ntjalka Williams OAM| website= Northern Territory Government – Legislative Assembly | date=21 October 2010 | url=https://parliament.nt.gov.au/business/hansard/transcripts/listing/nest_content?target_id=347533&parent_id=358649 | access-date=15 November 2022}}</ref>
== Music career == Williams was included on a compilation CD released in 1999 to promote reconciliation in Australia. The album was titled ''Reconciliation: Stories of the Heart, Sounds of the Rock'' and included music, personal statements from celebrities, and excerpts from historical speeches and events.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1999-12-10 |title=Celebrities 'sing out' for Reconciliation |work=Torres News |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/255264630 |access-date=2023-12-26 |via=Trove}}</ref>
In 2007, he wrote the musical ''Magic Coolamon'', which debuted as the first ever Central Australian Indigenous musical.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Munro |first=Jacqueline |date=2018-09-05 |title=Where his heart is...on stage |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/ballina/where-his-heart-ison-stage/news-story/d54fb0cf046b8086f53918073aefa60a |access-date=2023-12-25}}</ref>
Williams toured with John Williamson many times, including "Hillbilly Road" in 2008.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=August 2008 |title=John Williamson |url=http://www.muster.com.au/2008artists/johnwilliamson.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724154344/http://www.muster.com.au/2008artists/johnwilliamson.html |archive-date=24 July 2008 |access-date=2023-12-25 |website=Toyota National Country Music Muster}}</ref>
In 2015, Williams invited long-time friend and award-winning Australian singer Shane Nicholson to visit his hometown of Hermannsburg (Ntaria) to help break his writer's block. Williams took him to sacred sites and shared Aboriginal Dreaming stories which inspired Nicholson's ARIA-nominated album ''Hell Breaks Loose'', which features the track 'Hermannsburg'.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McCabe |first=Kathy |date=8 August 2015 |title=Shane Nicholson found outback inspiration to write songs about life and dating as a single dad |work=News.com.au |url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/shane-nicholson-found-outback-inspiration-to-write-songs-about-life-and-dating-as-a-single-dad/story-e6frfn09-1227475485649 |url-status=dead |access-date=10 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809071013/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/shane-nicholson-found-outback-inspiration-to-write-songs-about-life-and-dating-as-a-single-dad/story-e6frfn09-1227475485649 |archive-date=2015-08-09}}</ref>
In 2016, Williams teamed up with emerging artist Dani Young, writing and recording an album of traditional country duets in Nashville. The album, ''Desert Water'' was produced by Billy Yates, and features Jim Lauderdale. The album was released on 22 July 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |title=LEGENDARY COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST WARREN H. WILLIAMS AND RISING STAR DANI YOUNG LAUNCH SPECIAL DUETS ALBUM THIS JULY IN SYDNEY |url=http://www.hotoffthepress.com.au/news/2016/06/media-release-Warren-H.-Williams-and-Dani-Young-Desert-Water-album-launch.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922181232/https://www.hotoffthepress.com.au/news/2016/06/media-release-Warren-H.-Williams-and-Dani-Young-Desert-Water-album-launch.html |archive-date=2016-09-22 |access-date=2016-09-17 |website=www.hotoffthepress.com.au}}</ref> The album debuted at #2 on the ARIA Country albums charts, and the first single "Two Ships" spent six weeks at #1 on Tamworth Country Radio.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sheridan |first=Haley |date=2016-08-24 |title=Warren H Williams and Dani Young confirm they're heading to the 2017 Tamworth Country Music Festival |work=The Northern Daily Leader |url=http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/4113554/perfect-harmony-for-duo/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2023-12-25}}</ref>
== Radio and television career == In 1996, Williams was the first remote Indigenous broadcaster (RIBS) on the 8KIN FM network, presenting music shows live from Hermannsburg. He is the longest-serving broadcaster on CAAMA Radio, {{as of|2015|lc=yes}} presenting the mid-morning show from 9am - 11am on weekdays, as well as the 80s Mix on Monday evenings, Rockn on Wednesday evenings, and CAAMA's highest rating program Strictly Country on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Radio Program Guide |url=http://caama.com.au/radio-program-guide |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101170435/http://caama.com.au/radio-program-guide |archive-date=1 November 2015 |access-date=2015-10-10 |website=CAAMA |language=en }}</ref>{{Citation needed|date=December 2023}} His programs are also played through the National Indigenous Radio Service.<ref name=":1" />
In 2015, Williams made his directorial debut, writing and co-directing for the Aboriginal television series ''Our Place'' for ICTV.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Finnane |first=Kieran |date=2016-04-25 |title=TV series: community life beyond stereotypes |work=Alice Springs News |url=https://alicespringsnews.com.au/2016/04/26/36832/ |access-date=2023-12-26}}</ref>
== Politics == Williams stood as lead Australian Greens candidate for the two Northern Territory seats in the Australian Senate in the 2010 federal election,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nancarrow |first=Kirsty |date=2010-07-14 |title=Greens choose entertainer as Senate candidate |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-07-14/greens-choose-entertainer-as-senate-candidate/904474 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111093753/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-07-14/greens-choose-entertainer-as-senate-candidate/904474 |archive-date=2012-11-11 |access-date=2023-12-26 |website=ABC News Australia |language=en-AU}}</ref> and again in the 2013 federal election.<ref>{{cite news|last=Aston|first=Heath|title=Country singer challenges Peris in Senate race|url=http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/country-singer-challenges-peris-in-senate-race-20130625-2ovc6.html|access-date=5 July 2013|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=26 June 2013}}</ref>
At the 2012 Northern Territory election, he stood for the Australia's First Nations Political Party in the seat of Namatjira.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Finnane |first=Kieran |date=2012-08-25 |title=Polling day: Backing family, dad Warren H and aunty Alison |work=Alice Springs News |url=https://alicespringsnews.com.au/2012/08/25/campaigning-for-dad-warren-h-and-aunty-alison-im-doing-it-for-family/ |access-date=2023-12-26}}</ref> On the day before the election, he commented that the Country Liberals had gone too far in using vicious personal attacks at the polling places, which they shouted in Aboriginal language to avoid being removed by poll officials. Williams claimed that the attacks were part of a systematic campaign.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Skelton |first=Russell |date=2012-08-25 |title=NT Libs slammed for vicious tactics |work=The Sidney Morning Herald |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/nt-libs-slammed-for-vicious-tactics-20120824-24s2g.html |access-date=2023-12-26}}</ref>
== Discography == {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1" ! scope="col" style="width:15em;"| Title ! scope="col" style="width:17em;"| Details |- ! scope="row"| ''Western Wind'' | * Released: 1995 * Label: CAAMA Music * Format: CD |- ! scope="row"| ''Country Friends & Me'' | * Released: 1998 * Label: CAAMA Music * Format: CD |- ! scope="row"| ''Where My Heart Is'' | * Released: 2001 * Label: CAAMA Music * Format: CD |- ! scope="row"| ''Places in Between'' | * Released: 2002 * Label: CAAMA Music * Format: CD |- ! scope="row"| ''Be Like Home'' | * Released: 2005 * Label: CAAMA Music * Format: CD |- ! scope="row"| ''Looking Out'' | * Released: 2009 * Label: Heartland * Format: CD |- ! scope="row"| ''Urna Mara'' | * Released: 2011 * Label: ABC * Format: CD |- ! scope="row"| ''Winanjjara'' <br>{{small|(with The Warumunga Songmen)}} | * Released: 2011 * Label: Heartland * Format: CD |- ! scope="row"| ''Desert Water'' <br>{{small|(with Dani Young)}} | * Released: June 2016 * Label: UMA * Format: CD |- ! scope="row"| ''These are the Changes'' | * Released: January 2020 * Label: ABC * Format: CD, DD |- |}
==Recognition and awards== In 2004, Williams was the subject of an episode of the television series ''Nganampa Anwernekenhe''.<ref>[http://australianscreen.com.au/titles/warren-h-williams/ Warren H Williams, the stories, the songs (2004)]</ref>
In 2009 he was inducted into the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://countrymusichalloffame.com.au/the-hands-of-fame-inductees/| title=The Hands of Fame Inductees – Australian Country Music Hall of Fame}}</ref><ref name=hofbio/> (His father, Gus, had become an inductee in 2000.<ref>{{cite web | title= Gus Williams, 2000 | website=Australian Country Music Hall of Fame | url=https://ehive.com/collections/200851/objects/1465182/gus-williams-oam | access-date=8 November 2022}}</ref>)
===AIR Awards=== The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector. {{awards table}} |- | 2012<ref name="12nom">{{cite web|url=https://www.air.org.au/news/story/nominations-2012-jagermeister-independent-music-awards|title=NOMINATIONS: 2012 Jagermeister Independent Music Awards|website=Australian Independent Record Labels Association|date=17 September 2012|access-date=20 August 2020|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417032418/https://www.air.org.au/news/story/nominations-2012-jagermeister-independent-music-awards|url-status=dead}}</ref> |''Urna Marra'' | Best Independent Country Album | {{nom}} |- {{end}}
===ARIA Music Awards=== The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music. They commenced in 1987. {{awards table}} ! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- | 1998 | "Raining on the Rock" (with John Williamson) | Best Indigenous Release | {{nom}} | <ref>Warren was introduced to John, by legendary Australian radio journalist Graham Archer, who facilitated the collaboration. The song's lyrics were slightly changed by Williams in consultation with Williamson, creating what Williamson described as a stronger song. [http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history-by-artist.php?letter=W&artist=Warren%20H%20Williams Aria Awards]</ref> |- | 2012 | ''Winanjjara: The Song Peoples Sessions'' | Best World Music Album | {{nom}} | <ref name="World">ARIA Award previous winners. {{cite web|url=https://www.ariaawards.com.au/history/award/best-world-music-album?view=list#|title=ARIA Awards – Winners by Award – Best World Music Album |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA)|access-date=12 November 2020}}</ref> |- {{end}}
===Australia Council for the Arts=== The Australia Council for the Arts is the arts funding and advisory body for the Government of Australia. Since 1993, it has awarded a Red Ochre Award. It is presented to an outstanding Indigenous Australian (Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander) artist for lifetime achievement.
{{awards table}} |- | 2012<ref>{{cite web|title=Warren H. Williams 2012 Red Ochre Award winner|url=http://www.indigenous.gov.au/musical-legends-2-warren-h-williams/|work=indigenous.gov.au|publisher=Commonwealth of Australia|access-date=1 June 2012}}</ref> | himself | Red Ochre Award | {{yes2|Awarded}} |- {{end}}
===Country Music Awards (CMAA)=== The Country Music Awards of Australia (CMAA) (also known as the Golden Guitar Awards) is an annual awards night held in January during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, celebrating recording excellence in the Australian country music industry. They have been held annually since 1973.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.historyofcountrymusic.com.au/cmhands.html|title=Australian Country Music Hands of Fame |website=historyofcountrymusic|access-date=14 October 2020}}</ref><ref>Sydney Morning Herald 25 January 2009 [http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/music/kasey-rattles-the-gongs/2009/01/24/1232471657295.html Kasey rattles the gongs] by Matt Buchanan</ref>
{{awards table}} <small>(wins only)</small> |- | 2008 || himself || Hands of Fame || {{yes2|imprinted}} |- | 2009 || "Australia Is Another Word for Free" with John Williamson and Amos Morris|| Bush Ballad of the Year || {{won}} |- {{end}}
===Deadly Awards=== The Deadly Awards, (commonly known simply as The Deadlys), was an annual celebration of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement in music, sport, entertainment and community. They ran from 1996 to 2013.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.deadlys.vibe.com.au/vibe.asp?pageID=1781 |title=The 2001 Deadlys |access-date=16 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080721181927/http://deadlys.vibe.com.au/vibe.asp?pageID=1781 |archive-date=21 July 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
{{awards table}} |- | 1998 | "Raining on the Rock" | Single of the Year | {{won}} |- | 2001 | ''Where My Heart Is'' | Album of the Year | {{won}} |- {{end}}
===National Indigenous Music Awards=== The National Indigenous Music Awards recognise excellence, innovation and leadership among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians from throughout Australia. They commenced in 2004.
{{awards table}} |- | 2004 | himself | Male Artist of the Year | {{won}} |- | 2005 | "Dreamtime Baby" | Most Popular Song | {{won}} |- | rowspan="2"| 2006 | "Learn My Song" | Song of the Year | {{won}} |- | ''Be Like Home'' | Best Cover Art | {{won}} |- | rowspan="2"| 2010 | himself | Act of the Year | {{nom}} |- | ''Looking Out'' | Album of the Year | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="2"| 2012 | "Winanjjara" | Traditional Song of the Year | {{won}} |- | ''Winanjjara: The Song Peoples Sessions'' | Album of the Year | {{nom}} |- {{end}}
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * [https://web.archive.org/web/20080515065952/http://www.warrenhwilliams.com/ Warren H Williams homepage] * [http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani/news/music-warren.html Warren H Williams : Places In Between review] * [http://realcountry.podomatic.com/entry/2012-08-16T15_57_10-07_00 Warren H Williams radio interview Part 2] on Ben Sorensen's REAL Country * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WAe61o0sMk Warren H Williams interview on NITV news about Nashville album] * [https://www.facebook.com/WarrenHWilliamsDaniYoung Warren H Williams and Dani Young facebook page]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Williams, Warren H}} Category:1963 births Category:Living people Category:Indigenous Australian musicians Category:Australian male singers Category:Australian male songwriters Category:Australian guitarists Category:Australian Greens candidates Category:Australian male guitarists