Jesse Williams is a big fan of music, but most of the artists he gravitates towards are artists who use their work to discuss larger societal messages like inequality and justice. He has said that, in addition to Malcolm X, many of the inspirations for the activism he does have been musicians. “Bob Marley was an incredible activist and voice and prophet in many ways. Fela Kuti, James Brown, Nina Simone, Bob Dylan—just gods among men on this Earth,” Williams explained to The Atlantic. “[Listening to them] really helped me appreciate the dependence that we have on artists and storytellers as our broadcasters, as those who dictate what is reality and what has value.” In a separate interview with Rolling Stone, he added The Band, Neil Young, and Howlin’ Wolf to his list of faves.
Read Related Also: Mets show fight with two rallies but still fall short to Mariners
Williams also called himself a “Whiskey guy” in that same Rolling Stone article. “I enjoy the taste, obviously, but there’s also this earthiness that I enjoy, both in libations, but also just in life. I’m a big nature guy so the wood and the smokiness [of whiskey] is something I connect with,” he said. Despite being a big fan, Williams did not drink any alcohol whatsoever while he was starring in “Take Me Out.” In fact, his whole routine became about self-care so that he could keep up with the grueling eight-shows-a-week schedule. To be at his best, Williams worked with a personal trainer, nutritionist, acupuncturist, and vocal coach. He also meditated and used voice protective drops, sprays, and honey.
