In the Blue...
With Manager Extraordinaire
Michael Williams

Michael "Blue" Williams, president and CEO of Family Tree Entertainment, is undoubtedly one of the music industry's elite power brokers with more than a decade of experience in the business. Running his own management company since
1998, Williams' impressive client roster includes Grammy Award-winning group Outkast, rising star Nick Cannon, singer Macy Gray, rapper Trina, R& B singers Case, Lyfe Jennings, Jagged Edge, Blu Cantrell, K-Ci & Jo Jo of Jodeci, Faith Evans and Monica, just to name a few.

Born and raised in the Bronx, the 35-year-old Kennedy High School product made his decision to pursue a career in music at a very young age, developing his shrewd business sense through humble beginnings as a roadie for multi-platinum R & B group Jodeci. Eventually, Williams moved on to work with superstar Queen Latifah as president of her Flavor Unit management team before opening his own management company, Family Tree Entertainment, in 1997.

With headquarters in Times Square and offices in Los Angeles and Atlanta, Williams has moved through the ranks from manager to a respected mogul. Most recognized as the catalyst behind Outkast's success, serving as the group's sole manager to date since 1996, Williams has been an integral part of more than $40 million in record sales for his clients. He has secured multi-million dollar endorsement deals with major corporations; negotiated artist-owned label deals through the majors; and has paved the path to Hollywood in the form of movie roles and lucrative television deals for his clients.

Williams is recognized for his out-of-the box thinking and ability to make things happen. From steering the careers of mega entertainers to unveiling his own exotic car dealership, "Luxury Toy South" in Atlanta, Williams has expanded his Family Tree brand to include a division of producer management, as well as a film and TV division. With a number of shows in development, including a game show and a tribute to Rosa Parks to be broadcast on primetime TV, nothing is out of reach for this sharp businessman. And fortunately for Starpoynt, he wasn't out of reach for us!

Star - Impressive background and track record. Thinking back, was there an incident or moment that inspired you to say, "I want to be in this music biz."
Blue - The first time I went out on the road with Jodeci - I was on their promo tour. I was rolling around with them. I had all access and I just loved it. I got the buzz.

Star - What do you look for in an artist?
Blue - I try to see if there is a star. Is he or she a great entertainer? It's that thing that separates them from other artists. I look for those that I think will be mega stars... when they enter a room, eyes go toward them. You either it see it or you don't. Not everyone has the ability to see the star.

Star - You know how it goes for a lot of artists - they hire their homies or the cat that comes along with the best line - if you were in front of a room full of artists, what would you tell them to look for in a manager?
Blue - Look for some type of knowledge. Look for someone that believes in them, that won't take "no" for an answer, someone that will kill to get what they wish for... try to find big time managers that have relationships that can pick up the phone and help their career. They should find someone with fire, someone that has experience and has relationships.

Star - Describe what you think is a