Butterfly Praise

Writer, Songwriter, Author and Former Journalist Andrea R. Williams is known for her unique ability to put pen to paper and creating moving and relatable lyrics. Using her inspirational insight, whether it’s in print or in song, she has been able to bring her subject to life in a way that resonates with listeners and readers.

Celebrities and up-and-comers alike have called upon this wordsmith to craft their stories. Creating riveting word illustrations, her talent for articulation has netted her accolades, specifically for her e-zine, The Gospel News Update. A faith-based writer, in 2000, she received the Yaw Buama Award for "Outstanding Contributions In The Gospel Music Industry" from Gospel News TV in Alexandria, Virginia.

Williams’ writing career began when she was asked to pen a review for Gospelcity.com. One article morphed into dozens, ultimately turning to hundreds for the popular sacred music website. She wrote inspirational pieces, music reviews and featured interviews with top names in Gospel music. Shortly thereafter, she created an e-zine called The Gospel News Update. Covering news updates like Billboard charts, live recordings and new releases, The Gospel News Update was the inspiration to the now popular The Belle Report, written by Sheilah Belle. The Gospel News Update moved from an e-zine to a radio segment and was included on Washington, D.C.'s Heaven 1580AM's Midday Show with Cheryl Jackson. Due to the newsletter’s popularity, Williams was cited in the Gospel Industry Roundup, The Bible of the Gospel Music Industry, as a "Mover & Shaker" for several years.

Williams expanded her reach and became a freelance writer for several other online and printed publications including BlackGospel.com, Gospel Today Magazine, Charisma, Ministries Today, SpiritLed Woman and Xii Magazine. As an interviewer, she's interviewed dozens of popular Gospel artists including Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Andraé Crouch, Smokie Norful, Kurt Carr, Donald Lawrence, Richard Smallwood, Tonex, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Byron Cage, CeCe Winans, Tye Tribbett, Martha Munizzi, Kim Burrell, J Moss, Hezekiah Walker, Jeff Majors, Daryl Coley, Tramaine Hawkins, Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, Walter Hawkins, LaShun Pace, Bishop Paul S. Morton, and Dr. Bobby Jones. An article she wrote about faith was included in former BET's Lift Every Voice Host Gerard Henry's book, Voices Of Inspiration, along with writings from noted personalities like Yolanda Adams, Tonex and the late Bishop Eddie Long. She was hired by Verity Records, a top Gospel record label, to pen biographies and press releases for artists like Joann Rosario, Dr. Bobby Jones, Byron Cage and Richard Smallwood. In addition, she’s created bios for well-known people such as Jonathan Butler, Bishop Joseph Walker and Marvin Sapp.

After leaving an 8-year management position with The GRAMMY Awards (also known as The Recording Academy) at the Washington, D.C. Chapter, she launched a Gospel music public relations and marketing firm called Tehillah Enterprises. As a publicist, writing became a way of life for her and she penned countless biographies, reviews, press kits, press releases, feature stories and social media content for her clients. Her writing talents have been featured in national publications, magazines, newspapers, blogs, radio, television and with hundreds of other media outlets. Her company created campaigns that placed her clients on magazine covers, Billboard charts and award stages. The firm did work for notables such as Gladys Knight and Paul Anthony of Full Force (for their Gospel releases), Byron Cage, Earnest Pugh, Anita Wilson, Martha Munizzi, Steven Ford, Alvin Slaughter, DeWayne Woods, LIVRE’, Damion Murrill, Psalmist Raine, the late Andrae’ Crouch and many popular pastors and preachers such as Pastor Charles Jenkins, Bishop David G. Evans, Pastor Riva Tims, Bishop Derek Grier and Pastor Bill Winston. The company’s clients were recognized with award wins and nominations including GRAMMYs, Dove Awards, Stellar Awards, NAACP Image Awards and other accolades.

In addition to the Yaw Buama Award, Williams’ company, Tehillah Enterprises, received 2013 & 2016 Rhythm of Gospel Award Nominations for Gospel Radio Promotions & Marketing Group of the Year. She was also named “Top Ten Hero In Gospel In Washington D.C.” in 2013. In 2017, she published her first book, Live The Life You Sing About: How To Live With Integrity In The Gospel & Christian Music Industry, a manual for music ministers. The book peaked at #1 in the category of New Releases in Gospel on Amazon. The book endeavors to help minstrels and psalmists focus on pleasing the Lord and winning His heart more than seeking worldly success in the music business. In 2021, she penned the complimentary Live The Life You Sing About Workbook, a writing that allowed those in music ministry to delve deeper into what God requires for those called to the ministry. A 2019 Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Andrea matriculated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor’s Degree in the Music Business.

She’s not just known for her books, articles and press releases; she’s also known for her songwriting as well. A songwriter for decades, in 2014, she published her first song, “I Believe In Miracles”. Since that time, she’s penned numerous songs for herself – as a Gospel and Christian recording artist and for her instrumental alter ego, Soul Oasis Symphony. She is a seven-time WAMMIE Award Nominee with her song, “Count It As Done” tying for second place in the Make Music Montgomery Contest; the tune was cited for its strong and riveting faith-based message. A long-time, music industry veteran stated that the song was as moving as “We Shall Behold Him”. Receiving all of her songs in dreams prophetically, she has also been recognized for her instrumental songwriting as well, creating calming and meditative melodies set to orchestral stylings.

Her love for writing and her desire to share her inspired words and lyrics with others spurred her to officially launch Butterfly Praise in April 2025.