Bernie Williams' statistics say it all. He won the American League batting title in 1998; took home four Golden Glove Awards for fielding; was elected to the American League All-Star team five times; and won four World Series titles with the Yankees.
So, when Bernie "unofficially" retired at age 38, fans wondered what was next. Who knew he could play jazz?
Yes, Bernie Williams plays guitar on "He Reigns," from his new CD, Moving Forward . Fans are almost always surprised to learn that Bernie's first love was music, not baseball. He was trained on classical guitar but developed an interest in blues and jazz. Signing with the Yankees at age 17, Bernie continued to pursue his musical aspirations, sometimes taking his guitar into the locker room, and practicing before games.
In 2003, he fulfilled his ultimate dream of releasing his first album, The Journey Within . Bernie called it a celebration of his Latin musical roots, especially the salsa rhythms he heard while growing up in Puerto Rico.
Bernie delivers another winner with his latest effort, "Moving Forward." Bernie contributed nine original tunes, and he even arranged a version of the baseball classic, "Take Me Out To The Ball Game." Special guests include saxophonist Dave Koz, guitarist Mike Stern, and vocalist Jon Secada, as well as Bruce Springsteen and his wife Patti Scialfa on a live recording of Springsteen's hit song "Glory Days." Bernie promises more special guests at his upcoming concert in New York City. In the meantime, there is some speculation that he might return to the major leagues following his recent appearance with Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. Only time will tell.
I'm Doug Levine
