Nashville, TN | Vocalist • Performer • Artistpreneur
Wil
Merrell
“A voice that bridges eras,
a spirit that defines them.”
a spirit that defines them.”
37+
Years
5th
Tour Year
2x
Grammy Considered
Grammy Consideration
68th Annual Grammy Awards
Wil’s debut album Era has been submitted for Grammy consideration across three categories, marking a landmark milestone in his artistic journey.
Best Jazz Performance
“All of Me” ft. Wendy Moten • “Sunny Willow” ft. Gloria Gaynor • “Round Midnight” ft. David Rodgers
Best Jazz Vocal Album
Era / Wil Merrell
Best Arrangement, Instruments & Vocals
Skylark — Arr. David Rodgers
Biography
Vocalist. Performer. Speaker.
Artistpreneur.
Wil Merrell is a soul-stirring vocalist, magnetic performer, and visionary creative force redefining what it means to be an artist in the modern era. With a voice as rich and smooth as velvet, drawing comparisons to legends like Nat King Cole and Gregory Porter, Wil blends timeless elegance with contemporary soul, captivating audiences across the globe.
His extraordinary 37-year journey began at just eight years old when he recorded his first major session with his pastor and mentor, Wintley Phipps, on an album that also featured the iconic Patti LaBelle. That moment awakened something powerful in Wil, setting the course for a lifelong pursuit of excellence in music and performance.
Since then, he has built a remarkable career singing and recording with some of the world’s most celebrated artists, including OneRepublic, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Judds, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Daigle, Tauren Wells, Joss Stone, and Needtobreathe. His exceptional versatility has made him a sought-after session vocalist for major platforms including Walt Disney World and Broadway.
Currently in his fifth year of international touring, Wil has served as featured vocalist on the Gloria Gaynor World Tour for three years and the NEEDTOBREATHE “Caves” World Tour for two years. His debut album Era reintroduces the golden age of jazz with a fresh, modern lens, transporting listeners to the glamour and soul of the Harlem Renaissance, and has been submitted for Grammy consideration at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
A commanding presence on stage, Wil has also starred in leading theatrical roles, most notably as the Lion in The Wiz, his personal favorite role to date. His storytelling abilities and heartfelt delivery create unforgettable live experiences that move and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Beyond the stage, Wil is a dynamic entrepreneur, author, and speaker. As the founder of BillyAllison Group and the creator of the Artistpreneur philosophy, he equips creatives with the tools and mindset to build thriving, sustainable careers. He is also the founder of Takin’ the Stage, a summer performing arts incubator empowering the next generation of young artists to find their voice and build their vision.
Career Highlights
- 5th Year International Touring Artist
- 3 Years with Gloria Gaynor World Tour
- 2 Years with NEEDTOBREATHE World Tour
- 68th Grammy Awards Consideration
- Walt Disney World Recordings
- Broadway Recording Credits
- Grammy Award Nominee, Featured Artist
- Broadway World Nominee, Leading Actor
- Stellar Awards Nominee
- Austin City Limits (PBS)
Represented By
- BillyAllison Group, LLC (Management)
- L’Erin Greenfield Consultants (Bookings)
Based In
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Available Worldwide
Touring & Live Events
Luxury Entertainment Experiences
Wil Merrell brings world-class entertainment to luxury venues around the globe. His signature live productions are designed for discerning audiences and are perfectly suited for luxury cruise ships, upscale resorts, corporate galas, private events, and performing arts centers. Each show is a fully produced, immersive experience blending Wil’s powerhouse vocals, sophisticated storytelling, and commanding stage presence into an evening audiences will never forget.
Signature Show
Era: The Years That Raised Me
A deeply personal one-man theatrical musical weaving together the history of the Harlem Renaissance, Wil’s own artistic journey, and the music that shaped him. Featuring 15 songs spanning jazz, soul, and gospel, Era is an evening of music, memory, and meaning that moves audiences to their feet and their hearts.
One-Man Show • Full Production • Cruise & Luxury Venues
Tribute Show
My Way: The Soul of Sinatra
An elegant and soulful tribute to the Chairman of the Board, reimagined through Wil’s rich baritone and unmistakable stage charisma. My Way captures the swagger, romance, and timeless cool of the Sinatra era while bringing a fresh, contemporary energy that thrills audiences of every generation.
Tribute Concert • Big Band Ready • Cruise & Corporate
Intimate Experience
Timeless: Songs & Stories with Wil Merrell
An intimate evening of music and storytelling where Wil invites audiences behind the curtain. Between beloved songs spanning soul, jazz, and pop, Wil shares the stories, moments, and people that shaped his remarkable 37-year journey. Warm, personal, and unforgettable, this show is made for intimate venues and private settings.
Intimate Format • Storytelling • Private & Boutique Venues
Concert Show
Vintage: Wil Merrell Sings the Soul Songbook
A celebration of the golden era of soul, Vintage takes audiences on a joyful journey through the music that defined a generation. From Motown to classic R&B, Wil delivers these beloved songs with the reverence they deserve and the energy they demand, creating a high-energy concert experience that has audiences singing along from the first note.
Full Concert • Soul & Motown • All Venues
Celebration Show
Harlem Nights
A dazzling celebration of the Harlem Renaissance, one of the most vibrant and transformative cultural movements in American history. Harlem Nights transports audiences to the glamour, artistry, and electric energy of an era that changed music, fashion, and culture forever. Through stunning performances rooted in jazz, blues, and soul, Wil brings the spirit of Harlem alive on any stage in the world.
Celebration Concert • Jazz & Soul • Cruise & Luxury Venues
Luxury Entertainment Experiences
Available for Cruise Ships, Resorts & Private Events
All productions are available as fully staged or scaled formats, adaptable for luxury cruise ship theaters, resort stages, performing arts centers, corporate galas, and private engagements worldwide.
Discography & Credits
Music & Performances
Featured Recording Credits
ArtistRoleRecording
Walt Disney WorldBacking Vocals50th Anniversary Parade • “Harmonious” • “The Magic Is Calling”
The Smashing PumpkinsBacking Vocals“Atum, A Rock Opera”
OneRepublicBacking Vocals“West Coast”
HARDY & Lainey WilsonBacking Vocals“Wait in the Truck”
Sheryl Crow / TobyMacBacking Vocals“Promised Land”
Matthew WestBacking Vocals“My Story Your Glory”
Lauren DaigleBacking VocalsRecording Sessions
Tauren WellsBacking VocalsRecording Sessions
Elle KingBacking VocalsRecording Sessions
Casting CrownsBacking VocalsLifesongs: A Celebration, the First 20 Yrs
Anne WilsonBacking Vocals“My Jesus”
Katy NicholeBacking Vocals“In Jesus’ Name”
Tommee ProfittBacking Vocals“Birth of A King”
Broadway RecordsBacking Vocals“The Big One-Oh” Cast Recording
→ View Full Credits on AllMusic
Gloria Gaynor
Backing & Featured Artist
Gloria Gaynor World Tour • 3 Years
NEEDTOBREATHE
Backing & Featured Artist
“Caves” World Tour • 2 Years
Joss Stone
Backing Vocalist
“Less Is More” World Tour
Carrie Underwood
Backing Vocals
Denim & Rhinestones Tour • NBC Christmas at Rockefeller Center
Jennifer Nettles
Backing Vocals
“Broadway Under the Stars” Tour
BeBe Winans
Backing Vocals
Cape Town Jazz Festival, South Africa
Dave Barnes
Backing & Featured Artist
Christmas w/ Dave & Friends Tour
North Carolina Symphony
Background Vocalist
“Disco Fever” Tour
ProductionRoleVenue
American ProphetCharlesBroadway Workshop, dir. Charles Randolph-Wright
The WizLionCenter for the Arts, Murfreesboro, TN
Brooklyn The MusicalStreet SingerStreet Theater Company
Memphis The MusicalDelrayCenter for the Arts, Murfreesboro, TN
Aretha Legacy: The MusicalSinger / ActorStudioTenn
Amahl and the Night VisitorsAmahlDC Arts Guild, Ottley School of Music
TitleRoleNetwork
Austin City LimitsFeatured Artist / BVsPBS
Carrie UnderwoodBacking VocalsNBC, Christmas at Rockefeller Center
The JuddsBacking Vocals2022 CMT Music Awards
Michael W. SmithBacking Vocals2023 Easter Special, K-Love
K-Love Turns 40Backing VocalsK-Love on Demand
“Remember Me: Mahalia Jackson”Backing VocalsHulu
Danny GokeyBacking Vocals“Haven’t Seen It Yet” Music Video
Maggie Rose & FriendsFeatured ArtistBill Withers Tribute
“Messiah”Actor, Featured ExtraNetflix Original Series
Bobby Jones GospelFeatured ArtistBET
24th Annual Stellar AwardsNominee, Featured ArtistBET / GMC
Watch
Experience
▶ “Whatever Will I Do?” (Lyric Video)
Lead single from Era • Official Lyric Video
▶ Bill Withers’ “I Can’t Write Left-Handed”
Live Cover • Stunning vocal performance
▶ “All Around The World” (Visualizer)
Unsecret x Wil Merrell • Official Visualizer
Live & On Stage
Photo Gallery
Wil Merrell — Live
City Winery Performance
Gloria Gaynor World Tour
The Wiz — Lion
City Winery — Full Band
Gloria Gaynor World Tour
Brooklyn The Musical
City Winery with Dancers
NEEDTOBREATHE Tour
The Wiz — Lion
Gloria Gaynor Tour
Live Performance
Brooklyn The Musical
Stage Performance
NEEDTOBREATHE Tour
The Wiz
Gloria Gaynor World Tour
NEEDTOBREATHE Tour
Gloria Gaynor Tour
Joss Stone — Less Is More Tour
NEEDTOBREATHE Tour
Big Band Performance
Live Performance
Joss Stone — Concert Hall
Christmas Concert
Available on Amazon • Click to Buy
Author
The Daily Push
“…sometimes all you need is a few words.”
Wil Merrell is not just a performer, he is a visionary. The Daily Push: Your Daily Guide to Success from Vision to Venture is his practical and powerful guidebook for creatives, entrepreneurs, and dreamers who are ready to stop waiting and start moving.
Built on the same Artistpreneur philosophy that has shaped Wil’s career across five decades of performing, recording, and building, this book delivers daily wisdom, actionable steps, and motivational fuel to help readers turn their passion into profit. Whether you are an artist navigating the business world or a leader learning to think more creatively, The Daily Push meets you where you are and pushes you forward.
Keynotes & Workshops
The Artistpreneur Speaks
Wil Merrell brings a rare perspective to the stage as both a world-class performer and seasoned entrepreneur. His keynotes bridge the worlds of creativity, business, and human potential, delivering transformative experiences for universities, corporate events, and conferences.
01
Universities • Conferences
Creative Reinvention: How to Innovate, Adapt, and Stay Relevant in a Changing World
How artists and business leaders alike can embrace change as fuel for growth, drawing on Wil’s 37-year journey across music, theater, and entrepreneurship.
02
Corporate • Entertainment Industry
The Artistpreneur Blueprint: Perform Like an Artist, Operate Like a CEO
Wil’s signature framework for creatives and leaders who want to master both their craft and the business of their career. Practical, powerful, and proven.
03
Youth • Performing Arts Programs
Takin’ the Stage: Finding Your Voice and Building Your Vision
An inspiring talk for emerging artists and young leaders about discovering their unique voice, building confidence, and turning passion into purpose.
Signature Talk
I Left Everything to Become Who I Was Already Supposed to Be
A Story About Music, Reinvention, and the Career Nobody Hands You
Other Talks
YOU Are the Enterprise
How Creatives Win When They Operate Like a CEO
Your Reputation Is Your Resume
The Invisible Currency of Creative Careers
The Business Nobody Taught You
Financial Literacy for the Working Artist
Stage Presence Is Not a Gift. It Is a Decision.
Performance Mastery for Artists & Leaders
Merch & Media
Shop
Era — Deluxe CD
Physical CD • elasticstage.com
Era — Vinyl
Vinyl Record • elasticstage.com
The Daily Push
Book • Available on Amazon
Get In Touch
Book & Connect
Bookings
L’Erin Greenfield Consultants, LLC
Management
BillyAllison Group, LLC
Vocalist • Performer • Speaker • Artistpreneur • Nashville, TN