Women’s History Month: Who is Michelle Williams?

In celebration and recognition of Women's History Month, the Rockford Register Star has partnered with Midway Village Museum to bring readers a local women's history fact of the day.

Visit rrstar.com or the Rockford Register Star newspaper each day throughout the month of March to read about the women who played significant roles in Rockford history.

Born in 1979 in Rockford and a graduate of Auburn High School’s CAPA Program, Williams rose to fame in 2000 as a member of the singing group Destiny’s Child. Her passion for singing was formed in her youth by performing with several local gospel groups, but her big break came when she met fellow band members Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland in an Atlanta hotel lobby in 1999.

Williams’ success in Destiny’s Child has led to numerous solo albums, including topping the U.S. gospel charts with “Heart to Yours” in 2002. Other creative projects on television and Broadway include performances in "Aida" (2003), the sitcom series "Half & Half" (2006), and the musical productions "The Color Purple" (2007), "Chicago" (2009–10), "What My Husband Doesn't Know" (2011) and "Fela!" (2013).

Want to learn more about Michelle Williams? Visit Midway Village Museum online at midwayvillage.com or in person at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Women’s History Month: Who is Michelle Williams?