Lyzel Williams is not a name that leaps onto the pages of popular media, but for those with intimate knowledge of the neo-soul scene and of Jill Scott’s early career, he occupies a significant place. A graphic designer by trade, and DJ in his spare time, Williams was perhaps best known as a husband of Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Jill Scott. Though he’s kept an extremely low profile out of the public eye, his influence on Scott and her music remains an interesting anecdote in her life story.

We shall now delve into Lyzel Williams’ earlier days, his relationship with Jill Scott, and how his connection with her shaped her music career.

Lyzel Williams’ Early Career

Lyzel Williams built an incredibly strong career as a graphic designer, working in the music industry with many, many different artists. In addition to design, Williams is also a deeply interested DJer, which provided another outlet by which to express his love for music. His behind-the-scenes role in the music world has allowed him to work with a wide range of creatives, mold their visuals, but remain deeply connected to the artistic process while doing so.

However, with celebrities amongst whom he worked, Williams preferred to stay away from limelight; thus he allowed his music and design to speak for themselves without demanding constant media attention.

Meeting Jill Scott

Lyzel Williams met Jill Scott in the late 1990s, when she was still an incoming talent in the neo-soul soundscape. Scott was then an emerging artist trying to find her way in the complicated music world. Their attraction, however, was immediate and was fueled by the two of their passions- music and creativity. Shared understanding of the music industry provided a strong basis for their relationship.

At this point, Scott was just about ready to explode out of her shell, and Williams had been there for her, emotionally and artistically. He was a member of the industry, so he knew what would likely await Scott when her talent and unique style began to catapult her to success, making him a trusted source she’d be able to turn to along the course of her rise.

Marriage and Musical Influences

Lyzel Williams married Jill Scott in 2001, at the peak of her developing stardom. Their marriage was always one that was immediately apparent, by virtue of Scott’s meteoric ascent. Meanwhile, Williams remained the private man that he always was, never once giving an interview, hardly speaking of his life publicly, and moving further and further inward in seclusion. While their relationship had hardly reached the media spotlight, it marked a different dimension for Scott’s life and performances.

The most recalled testament to the relationship is actually a song “He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat),” from Scott’s debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1. This song was a lovely expression of love and devotion she devoted to Williams, an unadulterated tribute to him. Scott sings her deep love to Williams in the song which provides lyrics pure admiration. The song since then became one of Scott’s favorites to this day and arguably one of his best works ever.

Marriage to Scott was undoubtedly defining for Williams. His peaceful and serene character anchored her at a time when her professional success was hitting a meteoric high. To many fans, their was black love in the most perfect forms, and Scott’s music, in part, embodied their union.

Divorce and Its Aftermath

Williams and Scott were very intense, but unfortunately, their marriage went through a divorce in the year 2007 after six years of their marriage. And neither of them made statements about the break-up between them into the public. The feelings that would accompany the end of their marriage somehow crept into Scott’s songs once again.

Some years later after Scott and Lyzel Williams separated, the latter produced some songs which seemed to portray the pain as well as the heartache she had undergone. Songs such as “Whenever You’re Around” and “My Love” portrayed loss and frustration resulting from the break-up of a crucial relationship. Even though the songs mentioned were not about Williams specifically, fans and readers perceived them to have much to do with the break-up.

Lyzel Williams Now

Lyzel Williams has kept a low profile since his separation from Jill Scott. His work as a graphic designer and DJ continues uninterrupted, but he prefers not to bring himself into the spotlight.

While his relationship with Jill Scott is well behind him, Williams’ legacy in life and song has molded that multitudes, and “He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)” becomes anthems in the annals of neo-soul.

Conclusion

Though Lyzel Williams is never one to crave a spotlight, he is not easy to ignore either. And his impact on the life and career of Jill Scott, particularly during the early 2000s, was deep. After all, their union inspired some of her most cherished songs-many that express a nostalgia for the relationship and its reversal. Their marriage may have ended in failure, but not so the impact of the experience on her music.

All that says now would be that Williams remains very much a mystery. He works quietly behind-the-scenes in the world of music and art, much as he has always done.

FAQs

Who is Lyzel Williams?

Lyzel Williams is a graphic designer and DJ, and married to singer Jill Scott.

How long was Lyzel Williams and Jill Scott married?

They were married for six years until 2007.

What did Jill Scott write about Lyzel Williams?

The song “He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)” from Scott’s debut album was written as a tribute to Williams.

What does Lyzel Williams do?

He is a graphic designer and DJ, mostly working behind the scenes in the music industry.

What happened after they divorced?

After divorcing, Jill Scott and Lyzel Williams both continued to move forward with their lives. Generally, Williams has gone out of public eye.