William Joseph Schwartz III (born 1980), better known as William Joseph, is an American pianist and recording artist from Phoenix, Arizona. He has released three studio albums: Within (2004), Beyond (2008) and Be Still (2012).
William Joseph | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | William Joseph Schwartz III |
| Also known as | willy |
| Born | 1980 (age 43–44) Phoenix, Arizona, United States |
| Origin | instrumental |
| Genres | Classical, Pop |
| Occupation(s) | pianist, composer |
| Instrument | piano |
| Years active | 2004–present |
| Labels | 143 Records (Reprise Records / Warner Music) |
| Website | http://www.william-joseph.com |
Life and career
editAt age 8 Joseph won a full music scholarship provided by the Boys Clubs of America,[1] enabling him to study piano with Russian pianist Stella Saperstein.[2] Joseph is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[3]
He was the first teacher hired by Piano Warehouse in Phoenix, Arizona and taught for the company Arizona Music Lessons, later renamed the Arizona Music Academy, for which he still performs short teaching periods.[citation needed]
In 2003, Joseph performed at a charity event in his hometown and bumped into David Foster, for whom he played. Foster was impressed, and they began collaborating, eventually writing several songs together that would appear on 2004's Within, Joseph's major-label debut.[2] By this time, Joseph was signed under Foster's 143 Records, a sub-label of Reprise Records and Warner Bros. Records.[4]
In August and September 2004, Joseph opened for Josh Groban's "Closer Tour",[5] covering 12 cities in the US and Canada, giving 16 concerts. During November and December 2005, Joseph was the opening act for Clay Aiken's "Joyful Noise Tour",[6] which covered 36 cities in the US and Canada, giving 40 concerts.
2008 saw the release of Joseph's second album Beyond. In 2009, Joseph played an acoustic version of "Within" for BETA Records TV.
In 2012, he released his third album Be Still.[7]
Discography
editAlbums
| Album details | Track list |
|---|---|
Within
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Beyond
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Be Still
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References
edit- ^ (June 25, 2008). "William Joseph: Beyond", Houston Today, p. C5.
- ^ a b Terauds, John (October 30, 2008). "Young pianist follows in famous fingertips: William Joseph lucky to get Stella Saperstein and David Foster as mentors", Toronto Star, p. E4.
- ^ "William Joseph - Episode 56". Churchofjesuschrist.org.
- ^ Chamberlain, Adrian (January 17, 2008). "Pop-pianist on road to stardom: David Foster protégé earning his chops as a performer on Western Canada tour", Times Colonist, p. C6.
- ^ Eustace, Chantal (April 28, 2009). "Piano man: William Joseph, David Foster's latest protégé, is ready to bring instrumental music back to pop's centre stage", The Vancouver Sun, p. E4.
- ^ McLaughlin, John P. (February 4, 2008). "Foster's latest find: William Joseph producer's latest anointed", Calgary Herald, p. C3.
- ^ Steven Kapp Perry (April 27, 2012). "'Be Still,' a new collection of hymns from William Joseph", Deseret News.