Marion native Brice Williams recently went back into the studio with ACM and CMA New Vocal Group winners Lady Antebellum to record “Baby It’s Cold Outside” for a special i-Tunes Christmas promotion.

While in the studio, everyone learned that Lady Antebellum had been nominated for two Grammy Awards; one for “Best New Artist” and one for “Best Country Duo or Group Performance” for the song “Love Don’t Live Here.” Williams played on their debut album as well as the single “Love Don’t Live Here”, which reached No. 3 on Billboard Country Charts.

“Everyone was completely surprised with the Grammy nominations,” Williams said. “I can’t believe that I’m playing on a song nominated for a Grammy. That makes me a Grammy nominated drummer.”

Williams is a 1998 graduate of Marion High School who moved to Nashville in the fall of 1998 to attend Belmont University. Since he has been in Nashville, he has toured and/or recorded with country artists Kevin Sharp, Sawyer Brown, Brian McComas, Luke Bryan, Linda Davis, Lionel Cartwright and, most recently, Sara Evans. He has also worked with pop artists Curtis Peoples, Josh Kelley and musician/actor Tyler Hilton.

Williams has been associated with Lady Antebellum from their very start. He toured with them from 2006 to 2008 and is still doing all of their recording in the studio.

“Being a studio musician has always been my ultimate goal,” Williams said. “I feel at home in the studio, and it is where I can be the most creative.

“Most people don’t realize that there are two groups of musicians, studio musicians who create what you hear on the albums and radio, and live musicians who travel and recreate what you hear on the album. I’ve been lucky being able to do both. I like touring but I love recording in the studio.” 

Williams is heading back in the studio with Lady Antebellum again after the new year  to start early production on their next album.   

To hear “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” visit Lady Antebellum’s website: http://ladyantebellum. musiccitynetworks.com