Washington, in fact, was one of her earliest influences. Williams had been listening to soul and R&B religiously since childhood when Mr. Magic's cutting-edge blend of jazz and R&B ignited a teenage Williams' interest in jazz. "Grover's my idol," says Williams. "He laughs when I tell him that I learned to play the saxophone listening to his records, but it's true. I'd listen to Mr. Magic or Live at the Bijou and copy his solos. I think that when an artist finds his or her own style, it comes from having so many different influences. I loved everyone from The Crusaders to the Ohio Players."
Other saxmen who helped Williams develop her own sound range from David Sanborn and his mentor Hank Crawford to bebop revolutionary Charlie Parker to long-time James Brown employee Maceo Parker to the late Don Myrick -- an unofficial Earth, Wind & Fire member.
Playing with the Martin Luther King Jazz Ensemble at King High School in Philly's historic Germantown section, Williams was required to embrace both electric jazz-funk and hardcore bebop. Playing in the Ensemble's rhythm section were the improvisors who went on to become "Quiet Storm" favorites Pieces of a Dream.
By the time Williams left Philly's rowhouses and cheesesteaks for L.A.'s sun, surf and smog, she had toured extensively and internationally backing fellow Philadelphian Patti LaBelle. "My success truly stems from Patti's graciousness," says Williams. "She has wholeheartedly supported me and built me up as an artist. I have learned so much from Patti. She is an amazing woman."
While many Philly musicians have made New York their home, Williams chose L.A. primarily because of the opportunities it offers in television and film. Since moving west, Williams has been employed by Arsenio Hall on Arsenio, Jay Leno on The Tonight Show and Rick Dees on Into the Night. In addition to touring with Teena Marie and performing with Prince, Babyface and Chanté Moore, she has appeared in a wide variety of videos by artists ranging from soul veteran Barry White ("Come On") to rapper/actress Queen Latifah ("Hard Times").
Williams notes that she enjoys performing in a variety of contexts. One thing she won't embrace is the more hardcore, explicit gangster rap. "Music is so powerful, I think it should be used to uplift, not degenerate," she emphasizes. "Queen Latifah's music is very uplifting, but some of the gangster rap is too extreme. I don't want to be a part of a negative message -- especially when you consider that children may be listening. Earth, Wind & Fire were one of my all-time favorite bands because their message was so positive and uplifting. If you were feeling down, all you had to do was listen to them."
But whatever style of music she embraces, Williams is unlikely to be confined to any one genre. "Some people feel like if you aren't playing straight-ahead jazz or classical music, you aren't a serious musician," she explains. "I don't agree with that statement in its entirety. I enjoy performing in a multitude of musical styles from Latin music, jazz, R&B, hip-hop and house. Variety keeps me fresh."
I Am Love
Pamela Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You hoped it would come true
That one day your Prince Charming
Would come rescue you
You like romantic movies
You will never forget
The way you felt when Romeo kissed Juliet
You don't have to wait no more
I can love you like that
I would make you my world
Move Heaven and Earth if you were my girl
I will give you my heart
Be all that you need
Show you you're everything that's precious to me
If you give me a chance
I can love you like that
I never make a promise I don't intend to keep
So when I say forever, forever's what I mean
I'm no Casanova but I swear this much is true
I'll be holdin' nothing back when it comes to you
You dream of love that`s everlasting
Well baby open up your eyes
I can love you like that
I would make you my world
Move Heaven and Earth if you were my girl
I will give you my heart
Be all that you need
Show you you're everything that's precious to me
If you give me a chance
I can love you like that
You want tenderness-I got tenderness
And I see through to the heart of you
If you want a man who understands
You don't have to look very far
The lyrics of Pamela Williams's "I Can Love You Like That" begin with the storybook fantasy of Cinderella where a girl longs for Prince Charming to come and rescue her. The singer of the song is portrayed as someone who loves romantic movies, and the lyrics refer to the strong emotional response they feel when Romeo kisses Juliet. The singer has been waiting for the perfect love, but the song suggests that they don't have to wait anymore because the singer can love them like that.
The singer promises to move heaven and earth, give their heart, and be everything that the singer needs. They reassure the singer that when they make a promise, they keep it. They may not be perfect, but they understand the singer's heart and will hold nothing back when it comes to them. The song is a declaration of the singer's love and willingness to make the singer happy. It suggests that the singer doesn't have to keep waiting for a love that's everlasting; they need only open their eyes to the possibility of this love that the singer is offering.
Line by Line Meaning
They read you Cinderella
As a child, you were read fairytales about finding love and living happily ever after.
You hoped it would come true
You believed that love would come to you just like in the stories.
That one day your Prince Charming
Your ideal partner would sweep you off your feet and save you from any troubles.
Would come rescue you
They would be your hero and protector.
You like romantic movies
You enjoy watching movies that depict love stories and happy endings.
You will never forget
The emotions you felt during those films are unforgettable.
The way you felt when Romeo kissed Juliet
The intense passion and love between Romeo and Juliet made a big impression on you.
All this time that you've been waiting
You have spent a long time searching for love.
You don't have to wait no more
You don't have to wait any longer for the right person to come along.
I can love you like that
I can love you in a way that meets all of your needs and desires.
I would make you my world
You would be the center of my universe.
Move Heaven and Earth if you were my girl
I would do anything to make you happy and keep you by my side.
I will give you my heart
I am willing to give you my love and affection.
Be all that you need
I will support you in all aspects of your life.
Show you you're everything that's precious to me
I will make you feel valued and appreciated every day.
If you give me a chance
If you allow me into your life and give me a shot at loving you.
I never make a promise I don't intend to keep
I am a man of my word and will always follow through on my promises.
So when I say forever, forever's what I mean
When I express my commitment to you, I mean it for as long as I live.
I'm no Casanova but I swear this much is true
I am not an expert in romance, but I can promise you this.
I'll be holdin' nothing back when it comes to you
I will give you everything I have and hold nothing back in our relationship.
You dream of love that`s everlasting
You have always desired a love that lasts forever.
Well baby open up your eyes
Realize that I could be the person you've been searching for.
You want tenderness-I got tenderness
You desire a partner who is gentle and caring, and that's exactly what I can offer you.
And I see through to the heart of you
I understand the real you and appreciate all of your strengths and weaknesses.
If you want a man who understands
If you want a partner who truly comprehends you.
You don't have to look very far
You don't need to search any further than me.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JENNIFER KIMBALL, STEVE DIAMOND, MARIBETH DERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Trinkett de Medeiros
Teena Marie ft. Pamela Williams - I Am Love: 'erniejr' you created a music video with two of the most gorgeous female musicians! Thank you big time for sharing! :) Trinkett
Conrad Smith
R.I.P. Lady Tee you were blessed
alexanderdiaz1
"In a twinkle "I Am Love" for all the world to feel it, let me sprinkle all my love right here where we need it....I Am Love, I Am Love, Spread Me All Over The World...I Am Love...." Classic Lyrics by the one and only only one Lady T...and the sounds of the gorgeous saxtress Pamela Williams...This was my jam back in the day and still is...
alexanderdiaz1
OMG, where is the repeat button? I think I've listened to this song about 20 times now in the last couple of hours...It's sweet sexy grown soul smooth jazz music...I love it!!!
Harold Childs
Love this Song.... Saw her last performance at the LA Fair....A month later "In a Twinkle" She was gone. Got her "Wings". ( I Am Love) makes me love her and miss her even more. RIP my Angel aka LADY TEE
DANDY TERRY
Lady T's voice is in fine form on this one
Simplicity W
Very nice tune from Teena. I can relate.......... A Real Talent, that will be missed. These kinds of people only come along once. We need to be Thankful for the chance to enjoy their music....... Many Thanks for posting this Great tune !
Don K. Ruler
love this joint!!! makes me feel good when having a bad day.
Phillip Collier
Yo, this track in 2002 is going out to all the steppers across the U.S.
Wolfsky9
RIP, Miss Lady T. --------You are in our hearts, 4-Ever, & Ever. ----------------WolfSky9, 71 y/o