A classically trained guitarist, Bernie Williams plays and composes music with influences that include jazz, classical, pop, Brazilian and Latin sounds.
Williams signed with Paul McCartney’s publishing company, MPL Communications, and his major label debut, The Journey Within, was released in 2003. In addition to playing lead and rhythm guitar, Williams composed seven songs for the album. Joining Williams was an all-star ensemble of musicians including multiple GRAMMY®-winning banjo player Béla Fleck, keyboardist David Sancious, percussionist Luis Conte, bassist Leland Sklar, guitarist Tim Pierce and drummers Kenny Aronoff and Shawn Pelton.
Following his career with the New York Yankees, Williams studied guitar and composition for a year at the State University of New York at Purchase in preparation for his 2009 album Moving Forward, The album features fourteen tracks and includes some collaborative tracks with other artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Patti Scialfa, Jon Secada, and Dave Koz. Williams was nominated for a Latin GRAMMY® Award for Moving Forward.