Fort Worth, Texas – Monday, December 2, 2024 – West Coast Bible College & Seminary (WCBCS) is proud to announce that The Williams Brothers, one of the most enduring and influential gospel groups, will be conferred with the prestigious Honorary Doctorate Degree in Ministry. This honor recognizes their exceptional contributions to gospel music and their unwavering commitment to ministry and community service. This distinguished accolade will be formally bestowed upon them at a graduation ceremonial event scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, accommodating both in-person and online attendees. Dr. Phillip S. Porter, President of WCBCS, expressed his enthusiasm: “The Williams Brothers is truly one of the most inspiring and legendary groups that has shared the gospel and influenced people worldwide for generations. It is my privilege to welcome them into the esteemed West Coast family.”

Few gospel groups can equal The Williams Brothers in terms of longevity. Organized in 1960 by their father, the late Leon “Pop” Williams and their brother, the late Frank Williams, the group consists of Doug Williams, Melvin Williams, Henry Green, and Andre Tate. The Williams Brothers recently suffered a great loss in February 2024 when their lifetime member of 63 years, Henry Green, passed away.

In April 1991, Doug, Melvin, and the late Henry decided to merge musical talent with industry expertise to form their own record label. As a result, Blackberry Records was born. Blackberry Records’ first release, “This Is Your Night” received a GRAMMY Awards nomination and won two Stellar Awards within the first year of operation. Since that time, The Williams Brothers have earned many accolades, including a Gold Record for “I’m Too Close” featuring Stevie Wonder.

The Williams Brothers have garnered nomination for seven (7) GRAMMY Awards, two (2) Dove Awards and one (1) Soul Train Award, the group has won twenty-one (21) Stellar Awards and has had three (3) #1 Albums and eighteen (18) Top Ten Albums on Billboard Gospel Charts.

During their musical journey, they have shared the stage with many colleagues in the industry, such as Stevie Wonder, Tyler Perry, Aretha Franklin, Andrae Crouch, The Clark Sisters, CeCe Winans, Shirley Caesar, Brandy, Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, Charlie Pride, Jerry Lee Lewis, Patti LaBelle, James Taylor, and many others.

In February 2011, The Williams Brothers were the first Gospel artists ever to headline at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, MS and performed to a SOLD-OUT crowd.

In April 2015, Doug Williams and Melvin Williams performed at The White House with Aretha Franklin for former President Barack Obama.

Collectively, this group has done amazing works over the years, they have been a staple for service in communities and churches, to name a few: Sickle Cell Foundation, Diabetes Foundation, HBCU’s, Art Organizations, Youth Organizations, Heart Foundation, GRAMMY Youth Foundation, Prison Ministries, Nursing Home Ministries, Crazy Like Love Foundation (established and in operation by Melvin and Doug in 2005 to aid Hurricane Katrina victims).

The Williams Brothers have shown us an array of talents over their years together, as a group and individually: Solo projects, producing, performances, writing music and even acting.

• Melvin Williams is a record company Executive for his own company, Melvin Williams Music Group. He has (4) four Solo Projects, (1) one GRAMMY Award nomination and (1) one Emmy nomination and several Stellar Awards nominations and wins.
• Doug Williams retired after 28 years of serving as President/CEO of Blackberry Records in 2019 and currently serves as Executive of his own record company, called DLW Music Group. Doug has written many hit songs over the years for his (3) three Solo Projects, The Williams Brothers and many other artists. He has had (1) one GRAMMY Awards nomination and several Stellar Awards nominations and wins throughout his music career.
• Andre Tate joined the group 20 years ago, as a band member and became one of The Williams Brothers 10 years later. He has had (1) one Solo Project and is currently pursuing acting.

Melvin, Doug, Andre, and their musicians are still traveling around the world today, after 60 plus years. Their distinctive Gospel sound keeps them busy with concerts and appearances. They also use their individual talents and gifts in their own way, as solo artists, as well as their anointed performances with The Williams Brothers. Their motto is: “Better Together” and “Men on a Mission”.

When the group is not traveling, they spend time overseeing their record labels and producing great music or just relaxing at home.

West Coast Bible College & Seminary is honored to recognize The Williams Brothers (Douglas Williams, Melvin Williams, Andre Tate, and the late Henry Green) for their outstanding contributions to gospel music and their dedication to ministry. This honorary doctorate degree celebrates their legacy and ongoing impact on the world. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of the members of The Williams Brothers on the well-deserved honor of receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Ministry from West Coast Bible College & Seminary.

About West Coast Bible College and Seminary

West Coast Bible College and Seminary was founded with the mission to provide affordable Christian education. The institution offers programs such as the Diploma of General Ministries, Associate of Ministry, Bachelor of Ministry, Master of Ministry, Doctorate Degree in Ministry, and an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Ministry & Humane Letters. In partnership with Success Training Institute, West Coast also offers students the opportunity to earn soft skills certifications, gain access to virtual internship programs, earn additional funds for college, and more. As a leading provider of soft skills training, West Coast equips its students with valuable skills such as leadership, time management, focus, conflict resolution, and more. To learn more visit, https://westcoastbc.org.