THe origin story…

William Kurk is the heir of a prestigious musical lineage, and the distinguished offspring of divine intervention. Born in Chicago, Kurk hails from a musical family; William Kurk, Sr (drums) and Beverly (Vocals-bass). The family tree extends deeper: Dr. Lena Mclin (renowned composer, educator, author) is his grandmother, and his great granduncle is none other than Thomas A. Dorsey, the father of gospel music.  

Throughout the early years, Kurk explored various outlets of musical expression for leisure-sake: drums, trumpet, flute, guitar, and bass, just to name a few. Eventually, his interest would turn into something more serious by his teenage years.

At age 13, Kurk would begin formal vocal lessons with his grandmother (Dr. Mclin), and this serious shift would eventually lead him to explore his growing interest for the piano by age 15. By age 16, Kurk auditioned to be in the Ken Chaney Big Band, and would eventually become an apprentice to the teachings of Ken Chaney; expanding technical and theoretical knowledge on the path to being a full-time musician.

After graduating from Hales Franciscan High School, Kurk attended Northern Illinois University for a semester to continue voice study with renowned baritone, Robert Sims (an esteemed pupil of Dr. McLin). Kurk transferred to Columbia College Chicago to accept the jazz studies scholarship for piano performance.

While studying jazz pedagogy under the guidance of Bill Russo, Kurk was summoned for studio work as a session player for Motown/Universal artist Prophet Jones, as well as 143 Records. It was during these sessions that Kurk was introduced to Tom Washington (arranger for Earth, Wind, & Fire, Genesis, The Jacksons), who would instantly become a mentor in pop arranging and musicianship.

During this same era of opportunity, Kurk was highly-recommend by Tom Washington to engage in piano accompaniment work at Black Ensemble Theater in 2001, where he played a variety of local and touring productions for over 10 years. In 2002, Kurk got the call from a mentoring colleague Ric Hall (long-standing guitarist with Buddy Guy) to tour with The Dells. Will would also tour with The Marvelettes, Platters, and Coasters.

Kurk graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a B.M in Composition, while at the same time, contributing as a musical director/sound designer/accompanist for several theater companies around town.

Kurk was nominated in 2007 for Best Musical Director by the Black Theater Alliance for the musical “Sarafina”, and his musical direction for the MPAACT show “Trouble The Water” won ‘Best Show’ that year. Other notable musicals under the musical direction of Kurk include: “Once On This Island”, “Ragtime”, “Hair”, “Runaways”, “Godspell”, “Nefertiti”, “The Wiz”, “Trouble The Water”, and “Cabaret”.

Kurk has always been passionate about his personal vision as an artist, releasing seven full-length studio albums to date: 'The Sound: Vol.1' (2004), 'The Sound: Vol. 2' (2007), 'The Sound: Vol. 3' (2009), 'Pop Fusion' (2011), 'Super Pop Fusion' (2012), a double CD-tribute project ‘Legacy’ (2015), and ‘Willionaire’ (2019).

W.K is a true diplomat for artistic creativity and freedom, and has an all-star list of artistic comrades that have contributed their talents towards his recordings: Bob Mintzer, Will Kennedy, Chester Gregory, Marquis Hill, Marqueal Jordan, Buddy Fambro, Gloria Ryann, Selan, Corey Wilkes, Benny Reid, Khari Parker, and Chris Rob (to name a few).

In 2004, Kurk founded the William Kurk Enterprise (band), with the primary objective of performing his original works. Over the years, the band has become more of a ‘collective’, assembling various members within the consortium to perform around Chicago (and beyond).

The band (aka WKE) also serves as a work-for-hire unit, providing professional musicians for all occasions. The 2011 DVD release of “William Kurk Enterprise: LIVE IN CHICAGO” highlights the performances of the band around town, and captures the essence of the WKE creative spirit in full force.

W.K has accompanied an array of notable artists over the years: Dionne Warwick, Melba Moore, Martha Reeves, Koko Taylor, YahZarah, Stanley Jordan, Kindred The Family Soul, Andre DeShields, Tammy McCain, Marcus Baylor, Taylor Dane, Chico DeBarge, Eric Roberson, Res, Frank McComb (on electric bass), Siji, Nadirah Shakoor, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, KRS-ONE, Steve Arrington, Kool Moe Dee, Ronnie Laws, Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child), Ronnie DeVoe (Bel Biv Devoe), Shamari DeVoe (Blaque), Julie Dexter, and Bill Cosby.

W.K is currently the host of a web series, “Synth Sounds Of”, produced by Reverb.com. He also has a documentary hosting credit under his belt, with his work on “Electric Rhythm”, the history of the drum machine (also produced by Reverb.com).

With regards to current theater work credits, Kurk is a musician/music director with Ingersoll Productions; a company that produces theatrical-style music revue concerts throughout Chicago and nationwide. W.K is also a member of the steadfast wedding/corporate band ‘Lakeshore Encores’.

With all of these things, and more to come, the body of work for Kurk is expanding daily, and the future holds more promise than ever before. The future is promising for the next wave of William Kurk, and the saga will continue on.