Stokley, a seasoned R&B singer and instrumentalist, enjoyed nearly a quarter-century of success with the group Mint Condition before embarking on his solo career. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota on July 15, 1967, Stokley Williams showed early musical talent, learning percussion instruments at the young age of four. Co-founding Mint Condition in the early ’80s with high school friends, Stokley served as the lead singer and drummer. The band’s breakthrough came in 1989 when they were discovered by Minneapolis R&B legends Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, leading to a record deal and hit singles from their debut album, Meant to Be Mint.
Stokley’s versatility shone beyond Mint Condition, with credits on albums by Janet Jackson, Sounds of Blackness, Johnny Gill, Color Me Badd, and collaborations with Prince, Elton John, and Toni Braxton. His talent was recognized with a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance in 2011, and his productions and vocals featured on albums by artists like Kelly Price and Wale. In 2017, Stokley finally released his solo album Introducing Stokley under his name, showcasing his outstanding musical abilities. The album, released by Concord in June 2017, marked a significant chapter in Stokley’s solo career, affirming his place as a distinguished artist in the R&B music scene.