Syracuse alumna Vanessa Williams releases first new music in 15 years: Buzz

Syracuse alumna Vanessa Williams releases first new music in 15 years

Syracuse University alumna Vanessa Williams still has “The Right Stuff.”

The actress, singer and the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America released a new song, “Legs (Keep Dancing),” and a music video showing off her moves. The song, co-written by Chantry Johnson, Kjersti Long and Kipper Jones (who wrote Williams’ early hits “The Right Stuff” and “The Comfort Zone”), debuted Friday via Williams’ new record label, Mellian Music.

“What a joy it is to make new music behind the microphone with old friends again,” said 61-year-old Williams in a statement. “There is a certain comfort in creating new works in the studio, reminiscing about how so many years in this business have brought success, excitement and lasting memories. Always moving forward is what drives me. Every challenge is exciting. And more new music to share with my fans is the fuel that lights my fire.”

“Legs (Keep Dancing)” is the lead single from her upcoming pop/R&B/dance album, her first non-seasonal music release since 2009’s “The Real Thing.” Williams’ music career also includes the Grammy-nominated “Save the Best for Last ‘ and the Oscar-winning ‘Pocahontas’ song ‘Colors of the Wind’.

Williams, who left Syracuse after two years when she was crowned Miss America in 1983 but later earned a bachelor’s degree from SU in 2008, has also been nominated for a Tony Award for her role in Broadway’s “Into the Woods” and three Emmy Awards for “Ugly Betty.” Additional credits include ‘Desperate Housewives’, ‘666 Park Avenue’, ‘Shaft’, ‘Dance with Me’, ‘Eraser’, ‘Velma’, ‘Girls5eva’, Christmas TV specials and an upcoming role as Miranda Priestly in West London. End of production of “The Devil Wears Prada.”

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