Aug
Maurice Williams, Lead Singer of ‘Stay‘, Passes Away at 86
Maurice Williams, the legendary lead singer of the band ‘The Zodiacs‘, passed away at the age of 86. Williams was best known for his hit song ‘Stay‘, which reached the top of the Billboard charts in 1960.
Early Life and Career
Maurice Williams was born on April 26, 1938, in Lancaster, South Carolina. He began his music career in the 1950s, performing with various bands before forming ‘The Zodiacs‘ in 1953. The band’s original lineup included Williams, Henry Gaston, George Hull, Wiley Bennett, and Nash Patterson.
‘Stay‘ and Success
‘Stay‘, written by Williams, was originally recorded in 1960 at a studio in Atlanta, Georgia. The song was released on Herald Records and reached number one on the Billboard charts, staying at the top for one week. It was the first song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart that was written and performed by an African-American artist.
‘Stay‘ became a classic of the doo-wop genre and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Jackson Browne, who reached number eight on the Billboard charts with his version in 1977. Williams and ‘The Zodiacs‘ went on to release several more singles, but none achieved the same level of success as ‘Stay‘.
Later Life and Death
After ‘The Zodiacs‘ disbanded in the mid-1960s, Williams continued to perform and record music, both as a solo artist and with various bands. He also worked as a music promoter and managed several artists throughout his career.
Maurice Williams passed away on September 19, 2022, at the age of 86. His death was confirmed by his son, Dante Williams, who stated that his father had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Legacy
Maurice Williams‘ legacy in the music industry is undeniable. ‘Stay‘ remains a beloved classic of the doo-wop era, and its influence can be heard in numerous other songs and artists. Williams’ contribution to the development of rock and roll and rhythm and blues music is significant, and he will be remembered as a pioneer in the music industry.
Williams is survived by his wife, Marcia, and their three children, Dante, Nicole, and Maurice Jr. Funeral services were held in his hometown of Lancaster, South Carolina.
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