Candy Williams facts for kids

Claude "Candy" Williams (1929–1983) was an Aboriginal Australian musician. He was famous for his country and western singing, which was often called "Aboriginal country music". Candy Williams also worked hard to help his people and appeared in several TV shows and films.

Early Life

Claude Williams was born in 1929. His birthplace was Erambie Mission, which is a place near Cowra, New South Wales.

Music and Acting Career

In the 1960s, Candy Williams became well-known. He appeared on many TV shows that were popular with teenagers. He also toured with a famous group called Jimmy Little's All Coloured Show.

By 1963, Williams had recorded several music albums. He also started acting in TV films. One of his first roles was as Charlie in Burst of Summer (1961). Later, he appeared in the TV series Wandjina! and in two episodes of A Country Practice.

Candy Williams' brother, Harry Williams, was also a musician. Harry sang in a duo with Wilga Munro, who later became his wife. They also had a band called the Country Outcasts. Claude Williams played with the Country Outcasts too. They toured together across New South Wales and Victoria.

Helping His Community

Claude Williams was a strong supporter of Aboriginal people. He was a member of the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs. He also joined the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (known as FCAATSI). Both groups worked to improve life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Achievements and Awards

• 2002: After his death, he received a Deadly Award for his amazing contribution to Aboriginal music.

Family Life

In 1957, Claude Williams was the best man at the wedding of his friend, the famous country singer Jimmy Little.

Claude and his wife, Hazel, had two children: a son named Claude and a daughter named Avril. His son, Claude Williams, became a basketball player. He was the first and only Aboriginal basketball coach for the Sydney Kings. He is also part of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sports Hall of Fame.

Candy Williams was also the first cousin of Harry Williams. This Harry Williams was the first Indigenous soccer player to play for the Socceroos in a World Cup, in 1974.

Claude Williams lived in Sydney with his family. He passed away in 1983.

Selected Films and TV Shows

• Burst of Summer (1961)
• The Sergeant from Burralee (1961)
• Wandjina! (1966)
• Top Mates (1979)
• A Country Practice