Musician | Eric Willis

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Jazz musician Eric Willis joins host Tim Ristow for an in-depth & powerful interview  about music, family, fathers & sons, abuse, the Gospel, theology, and forgiveness and redemption.  Eric’s story is tied intimately into music and family. 

Eric is a highly talented and experienced pianist and keyboard artist out of Dallas, Texas who also began as a percussionist.  Mentored early on by the musical talents of people like Terrebonne Parish public school teacher, Howard Nixon, in Houma, Louisiana (where Eric was born) and later the renowned Alvin Batiste, an American avant-garde jazz clarinetist  from New Orleans.   Several well-known musicians studied under Batitse, including Bradford Marsalis.  Willis has a long list of successful performances and tours with artists like Kirk Whalum, Wayman Tisdale, Tom Braxton, Melba Moore, Angela Bofill, Fingerprints Band and many more. He is currently working with platinum-level producer, Erick J. Morgan. 

In 2018, Eric wrote a book to both of his sons titled, appropriately enough, "Father to Son", and produced an accompanying album of jazz with his son, Josh, also titled “Father to Son”.  In addition, Eric has  produced an audio book called “Turn on the Light” a true story set to music, narration and sound effects about the abusive relationship with his father.

Eric is passionate about ministry and is currently serving as Executive Director of City Lights Church Planting and Missions Network in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 

Father to Son album

Turn on the Light audiobook

City Lights Church Planting & Missions Network