Maurice Williams is best known as the leader of Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, an American doo-wop/R&B vocal group whose roots can be traced back to the 1950s. Born on April 26, 1938, in Lancaster, South Carolina, Williams showed an affinity for music at a young age. His early musical endeavors led him to form the band The Royal Charms, which eventually evolved into the Gladiolas and, after several changes, became the Zodiacs. They achieved their greatest commercial success with the hit song "Stay," which was released in 1960 and soared to the top of the charts, becoming one of the enduring anthems of the era. The catchy melody and Williams' compelling falsetto made the track a timeless classic, subsequently covered by various artists, including Jackson Browne and The Four Seasons.

Over the course of his career, Maurice Williams remained active in the music industry, even though the peaks of the Zodiacs' early successes proved hard to replicate. His work, steadfast in the oldies and nostalgia circuits, has been celebrated through numerous compilations and reissues, such as "Stay - The Complete Collection" and "Golden Oldies (Digitally Remastered)," which provide a comprehensive look at the enduring appeal of his music. In addition to his most famous work, Williams continued to craft new music and connect with audiences, as seen in albums like "How to Pick a Winner" and "She Bad," showcasing his ability to blend traditional R&B with contemporary sounds. "Hail to the Panthers" reflected his personal interests, illustrating how his music can transcend pure entertainment to capture moments of cultural and personal significance. Maurice Williams’ contributions to music have solidified his place in the pantheon of R&B hitmakers, ensuring that his legacy as a musician will "Stay" for generations to come.

Genres

Rock

Pop

R&b

Contemporary R&b

Soul

Doo-wop

Beach Music

Related Artists

The Temptations

The Drifters

The Isley Brothers

The Platters

The Flamingos

The Coasters

Sam Cooke

The Supremes

Little Richard

The O'Jays

The Spinners

Chubby Checker

Latest Release

How to Pick a Winner

Maurice Williams

Single - Released March 13, 2020