Bear Williams has deep roots in blues, folk, soul, rock, and gospel. Having spent twenty-one years as the bassist for Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, playing bass guitar on over 400 recordings, founding The Bear Williams Band in 2017 and co-founding the 2024 Indie Soul Music Award Winner for Best New Group or Duo, TMF The Music Forever, Bear brings a wealth of experience to his craft. Bear’s performances are influenced by the storytelling traditions of Chicago Bluesmen like Big Bill Broonzy, Elmore James, Muddy Waters and The Father of Folk Music, Huddie Ledbetter aka Lead Belly while simultaneously blending his signature sound with the rhythmic drive of soul and gospel. Beyond performing, Bear teaches guitar and bass at The Old Town School of Folk Music and online via Lessonface.com, sharing his knowledge with adults and the next generation of musicians alike.