On Saturday, May 23, musician and singer William Kooly Scott came to Swainsboro for a live performance. He is known by most people as Kooly. The event was held at the Swainsboro Emanuel Auditorium. The non-stop 2-hour show was amazing. Kooly had the audience singing along to the music, clapping their hands, bobbing their heads, and dancing in the aisles.
Everyone in attendance would agree that the show was absolutely incredible. Kooly's voice and showmanship were dynamic. The songs he performed varied from Prince’s Kiss to LTD Love Ballad and Steve Miller Band’s Time Keeps on Sleeping. He even did a version of the Temptations' "My Girl" and dedicated it to classmates Mike and Linda Braswell, who he said have been together since high school.
Kooly's voice, combined with the music from his fantastic band, made beautiful and bombastic melodies throughout the night. The talented band included Sensational Saxophonist Mr. Vince Broomfield, Brilliant Bassist Mr. Thomas T Hatcher, Dynamite Drummer Mr. John David Anderson, and Knockout Keyboardist Mr. Doug Carter. Each of these individuals is extremely talented, and together they form a great team.
About
William Kooly Scott is a vocalist, songwriter, producer, musician and recording artist. He has performed across the United States, the Caribbean, and around the world, including Spain, Germany, and South Korea. He performed annually for more than 10 years in Norway. He was the lead vocalist for the Norwegian American group Transatlantic Express. He currently resides in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.
Background
Kooly's family lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, during his early years. Kooly's musical talent became noticeable at a very early age, and when he was 8 years old, he started performing in his parents' gospel group, the Voices of Faith. His mother was originally from Burke County, Georgia, and his father from Scott, Georgia. Eventually, the family moved to Swainsboro. While in Swainsboro, Kooly’s musical talents grew. He was a member of the Swainsboro High School band under the direction of Mr. Elson Tims and the chorus under Mr. Charles Doster. Kooly was active in gospel music and played guitar for the Houston family, the Union Gospel Singers, and other local groups. One of his trademarks was playing the bongos and getting the crowd fired up at basketball games. He graduated from Swainsboro High School in 1980.
After graduation, he joined the military. He served 6 years in the United States Army. His last duty was in Berlin, Germany, where he stayed after departing the Army. During this time, he performed as a studio musician and formed his own band. After a few years, he decided to come back to the States. In 1987, he won second place in a national songwriting contest. In 1989, he won Musician Magazine's Best Unsigned Artist in R&B. He recorded with the artist Joss Stone and played bass for the Florida Mass Choir. Kooly also worked in commercial voiceover. A few of his tracks were used in the documentary, making the Tracks featuring Danny Glover's as narrator.
Kooly says his biggest musical influences were Larry Graham and gospel music. His favorite artists are Gladys Knight, Peabo Bryson, Earth, Wind and Fire, and Luther Vandross. Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder are two he said he would love to play with.
Performance
The performance in Swainsboro featured Kooly performing hits from Earth, Wind and Fire, Temptations, Commodores, LTD, Prince, Steve Miller Band, Gap Band, and a few other oldies but goodies. Additionally, he performed a few of his own songs, one which was in the top 100 in Spain for 16 straight weeks. The crowd at the Auditorium was not large, but the enthusiasm was immense. Included in the audience were friends, family, classmates, his former teachers, former high school band members, and music lovers. Some of those classmates present were current Swainsboro Mayor, Mrs. Lillie A Brown, and Chief of Police, Ashley Riner. Several former high school band members were present, including Mike Braswell, Ashley Riner, Gail Taylor, Linda Tann, Larose Dukes, Theresa Doyle, and Milton Wynn were in attendance. Kooly stated that in addition to the band and chorus director, several teachers had an impact on him during high school. One of those in attendance was Mrs. Diane Brinson Fields, whom he acknowledged. He also shared with me that Cecil Strong and Cleve Doyle positively impacted him while in high school.
Back to the Boro
Kooly says the desire to come back and perform has been on his mind for a few years, and that feeling has gotten stronger over the last couple of years. He knew he wanted to perform in Swainsboro but said there was a stronger force compelling him to come back. At the time, he didn't fully comprehend. Only after being back on stage in front of family and friends did he realize the spiritual path that had led him back, and the vision became clearer. Therefore, back to the boro is not a one-time thing. Kooly says he intends to make it an annual event.
Gratitude
Music is, in fact, a universal language. Swainsboro and Emanuel County send a big thank you and well done to Mr. William Kooly Scott for gracing us with his musical talent. We were fortunate to have him come back to the boro.
As with events of this magnitude, it doesn't happen at no cost. As a token of appreciation and gratitude, we would like to provide a donation to Kooly to help cover some of his expenses. Anyone wishing to contribute can send funds to me via CashApp/Zelle or cash. Every penny will go to William Kooly Scott. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you would like to hear more from Kooly.
Thank you to Mr. Arthur Jones for providing the sound system. Also, a big thank you to Mr. Tommy Lloyd and Mr. and Mrs. Tony Brown Sr.
