Tony Williams (singer)

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Not to be confused with The World Famous Tony Williams

Tony Williams (April 5, 1928 – August 14, 1992) was the lead singer of the Platters[1] from 1953 to 1960.[2] Williams was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and died in New York of emphysema.[2]

His sister, R&B singer Linda Hayes, was instrumental in Williams becoming a member of the Platters,[citation needed] who were discovered and managed by Buck Ram.[1] On the Mercury record label 45rpm release of the Platters' song, "My Prayer," Williams was listed as Tony Wilson.[citation needed] In a dispute over money, Williams left the Platters to pursue a solo career, and continued to work with Ram.[3]

Williams was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Platters in 1990. Tony performed with his own version of the Platters, known as the International Platters, featuring his wife Helen Williams. Musical director William Gulino worked with Tony Williams and the Platters off and on from 1978 to 1992.

Solo discography[edit]

  • Magic Touch of Tony - Philips PHS-600-051 - 1962
  • A Girl Is a Girl Is A Girl - Mercury SR-60138 - 1969 (previously Mercury MG 20454 - 1961)
  • Tony Williams Sings His Greatest Hits - Gold Dust Records Dust 934 (Italy) - 1994
  • The Voice of The Platters - Vintage Music -2014

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Gilliland, John (1969). "Show 5 - Hail, Hail, Rock 'n' Roll: The rock revolution gets underway. [Part 1]" (audio). Pop Chronicles. Digital.library.unt.edu. 
  2. ^ a b Published: August 16, 1992 (1992-08-16). "Tony Williams, 64; Platters' Lead Singer - New York Times". Nytimes.com. Retrieved 2014-01-11. 
  3. ^ Gilliland, John (1969). "Show 14 - Big Rock Candy Mountain: Rock 'n' roll in the late fifties. [Part 4]" (audio). Pop Chronicles. Digital.library.unt.edu. 


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