When you meet Big Fella, you can’t help but remember him. He’s creative, entrepreneurial and compassionate. But who is this man who deeply cares for his community and who everyone in town seems to know?
Big Fella, aka Willie Sims, Jr., is a musician, entertainer, TV producer, community activist and advocate, ordained minister, board member, chef, teacher, life coach and is known by many as the Unofficial Mayor of Music City.
You may have seen his self-produced cooking show, Cookin’ Wit’ Big Fella. Perhaps, you know him from the Juneteenth fireworks celebration at Fort Negley. Or maybe you’ve run into him at a fundraising event, Metro Council meeting or a really great party.
Today, he joins us to talk about his life — his early years, how he came to Nashville and what living here means to him.
This episode was produced by Khalil Ekulona.
Further reading and listening:
- You can listen to our Halloween 2023 sketch episode when host Khalil Ekulona and producer Elizabeth Burton visited the scariest places in Nashville in search of Big Fella.
- In November, we also aired a follow up call-in show to the Halloween episode to get your feedback on what turned out to be a bit of a controversial episode.
- Big Fella’s cooking show can be found on YouTube.
- There’s a lot going on in Nashville to celebrate Juneteenth. You can find out what’s happening at juneteenth615.com.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM