BIOGRAPHY
Emerging from the vibrant cultural melting pot of Miami, Florida, William "Willy B" Hurwitz embarked on his musical odyssey at the tender age of 16. With an insatiable thirst for creative expression, he immersed himself in the art of songwriting, recording, and live performance, igniting a passion that would propel him to unprecedented heights in the music industry. It was during these early years that Willy B's prodigious talent on the harmonica first began to blossom, captivating audiences with its soul-stirring melodies, earning him acclaim that would later manifest in nominations on Alemor's "Beautiful Humans Vol. 1" EP for both the Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards in 2023.
A true musical polymath, William's stylistic palette defies convention, seamlessly blending the earthy authenticity of folk with the infectious rhythms of funk. His virtuosic command of the harmonica, reminiscent of luminaries like Howard Levy, is complemented by the free-flowing improvisational spirit of blues icons such as Paul Butterfield and John Popper, resulting in a sound that is at once timeless and utterly contemporary. This eclectic fusion of influences has garnered him widespread acclaim and established him as a true trailblazer in the world of contemporary music.
Beyond his solo endeavors, William's collaborative spirit has led him to join forces with an array of esteemed artists, including chart-toppers like Shaggy and Gilmar Gomes. Yet, it is his partnership in the act "Harp Machine" featuring world-renowned Venezuelan electric harpist Leonard Jacome and drummer Brian Lange that truly exemplifies the breadth of his musical vision. Together, this dynamic trio embarks on a sonic journey unlike any other, pushing the boundaries of genre and tradition to create a sound that is uniquely their own.
In addition to his musical pursuits, William's academic achievements are equally noteworthy. A graduate in Psychology from the esteemed University of Miami, he seamlessly bridged the worlds of academia and music, hosting, interviewing, and performing on the award-winning radio program at WVUM 90.5 "The Jamtastic Voyage," which featured weekly performances by hometown locals such as Roosevelt Collier, Electric Kif, Bobby Lee Rodgers, Afrobeta, etc. His academic journey later led him to the bustling metropolis of New York City, where he pursued a doctoral program in clinical psychology at The New School. Despite the demanding nature of his studies, William remained steadfast in his dedication to music, collaborating with Sony BMG NYC artists and gracing iconic venues such as Mercury Lounge, The Bitter End, Blue Note and Rockwood Music Hall with his electrifying performances. Now back in his hometown of Miami, Willy B continues to write, record, perform, and tour music nationally and internationally with his group "Harp Machine" and his solo act. This has led him to two new single releases of "HOWDY" by Harp Machine and his debut independent release of "Give Me Your Heart" now available on all streaming platforms. He is currently working on a full album release entitled "Willy B Plays." Willy B is currently unsigned and looking for LA and NYC management to take him on as a client.