This week, you’re sitting down with funk legend James “Diamond” Williams from The Ohio Players! From his jazz roots and early gigs at age 14 to shaping the groove of “Love Rollercoaster” and “Fire,” Diamond shares how precision, persistence, and passion built one of the most iconic sounds in funk. You’ll hear stories of wild recording schedules, late-night gigs, and the unforgettable moment Stevie Wonder first heard “Fire.” Through it all, Diamond reminds you that love—and music—is truly a rollercoaster.
Diamond also talks about what it takes to keep a band together, why preparation is everything, and how to push your career forward when no one else will. His message? Stay seated, stay belted, and enjoy the ride. Always Be Performing.


00:00:00 Gig Gab 505 – Monday, October 27th, 2025

October 27th: National Black Cat Day
Guest co-host: James “Diamond” Williams


00:03:35 Syncopated grooves

Jazz labs with his Dad
Gigging with jazz standards at 14 years old
All-City orchestra
Miami University
Marching band
Drum and Bugle Corps
All those influences


00:05:38 How did the drum fill intro for “I Want to Be Free” come together
00:10:16 Love Rollercoaster was an intentional pop hit

BTO was the “hit” band with Mercury when Ohio Players signed
Ohio Players told Mercury: “We need nothing from you but your money.”
Came in with a gold 45 and left with a Platinum album


00:14:08 Crazy recording schedule

Playing at the Red Onion in Buffalo, NY at night while recording in Chicago during the day
They set a goal: “Let’s write three platinum albums in a row.”


00:16:01 Stevie Wonder hears “Fire” for the first time
Sponsors

00:19:37 SPONSOR: GigSalad. Always Be Performing means “Always Be Booking”, too. Head to GigSalad.com to create your free profile today!

(and check out Gig Gab 482 with Mark Steiner from May, 2025, too!)


00:21:12 SPONSOR: Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/giggab or use code giggab at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!


00:22:42 “I Want To Be Free” – Midnight Special viral clip on Instagram

Bands covering
Red Hot Chili Peppers cover Love Rollercoaster
D’Angelo
Tupac


00:24:47 The Ohio Players and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame induction


00:28:42 Keep pushing for your career… you are your best advocate
00:32:42 Balancing strong personalities within a band

Advice: Never stop!

Ohio Players were a band 24/7
Rehearsed five days a week


Hearing “Me & Mrs. Jones” everywhere when starting on tour

…and hearing “Skin Tight” the same way




00:37:43 It comes back to preparation!