 |
| Beau Williams, the Houston-born gospel and R&B singer known for “Wonderful” and his national exposure on “Star Search,” is shown in an undated promotional photo. Williams died June 17 after battling cancer. He was 76. |
Williams died June 17 after battling cancer, according to a family statement posted to his Facebook page and a remembrance from PATH MEGAzine publisher Kris Patrick, who wrote that Williams had been “quietly fighting cancer.”
Born and raised in Houston, Williams grew up in a musical church family. His father was a pastor, his mother led the choir and his siblings sang. He later moved to Los Angeles, where George Benson helped him land a recording contract with Capitol Records.
Williams crossed into national view in the 1980s after appearing on “Star Search,” where he dethroned a longtime champion Sam Harris, who had become one of the show’s early breakout stars.
But Williams’ deepest mark came in gospel.
After recording R&B albums for Capitol, Williams signed with Light Records and returned to gospel music. His 1989 project “Wonderful” became his defining release, reaching No. 2 on Billboard’s gospel albums chart.
Born and raised in Houston, Williams grew up in a musical church family. His father was a pastor, his mother led the choir and his siblings sang. He later moved to Los Angeles, where George Benson helped him land a recording contract with Capitol Records.
Williams crossed into national view in the 1980s after appearing on “Star Search,” where he dethroned a longtime champion Sam Harris, who had become one of the show’s early breakout stars.
But Williams’ deepest mark came in gospel.
After recording R&B albums for Capitol, Williams signed with Light Records and returned to gospel music. His 1989 project “Wonderful” became his defining release, reaching No. 2 on Billboard’s gospel albums chart.
The Recording Academy lists Williams as a 1990 Grammy nominee for “Wonderful” in the best soul gospel performance, male category.
Williams’ catalog also included “Walk Around Heaven,” “Say Yes,” “Higher,” “Love” and “Power.”
Williams’ catalog also included “Walk Around Heaven,” “Say Yes,” “Higher,” “Love” and “Power.”
A public homegoing celebration is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, at The Fountain of Praise, 13950 Hillcroft Ave. in Houston. Public viewing is scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by the Celebration of Life service at 11 a.m.
Williams is survived by his wife, Elvina; daughters Nicole, Monica and Janetta; and son James.
No comments:
Post a Comment