Danny Williams (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Danny Williams
Background information
Born	(1942-01-07)7 January 1942 Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Died	6 December 2005(2005-12-06) (aged 63)
Genres	Traditional pop
Occupation(s)	Singer
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	1959–2005
Labels	His Master's Voice (EMI)

Danny Williams (born January 7, 1942 – died December 6, 2005) was a talented pop singer. He was born in South Africa but became famous in Britain. People sometimes called him "Britain's Johnny Mathis". This was because of his smooth and stylish way of singing slow, emotional songs called ballads.

Danny Williams is most famous for his 1961 song "Moon River". This song became number one in the UK. He also had a big hit in the U.S. in 1964 with "White on White".

Danny Williams' Music Journey

Early Life and Start in Music

Danny Williams was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. When he was 14, he won a talent contest. After that, he joined a traveling show called Golden City Dixies. They performed all over South Africa.

In 1959, the show came to London, England. There, a music producer named Norman Newell from EMI Records noticed Danny. Norman was very impressed and signed Danny to a recording contract. Danny spent most of his life living in the United Kingdom.

Becoming a Star

At first, Danny released a few songs that did fairly well. These were mostly popular ballads. Then, in 1961, he had a huge hit. His cover version of "Moon River" went all the way to number one on the UK charts. This song is still his most famous recording.

In April 1962, he had another hit song. "The Wonderful World of the Young" reached number 8 on the charts. His success also led him to appear in movies. He was in Play It Cool (1962) and It's All Happening (1963).

Changes in Music and Later Career

In 1963, Danny went on a big tour with singer Helen Shapiro. The Beatles were also a support act on this tour. However, the music scene was changing. New "beat group" music became very popular. Many ballad singers like Danny found it harder to have big hits.

Danny did not have many more major hits in Britain. But his song "White on White" became very popular outside the UK. It was his only top ten hit in the U.S. It reached number 9 on the Billboard Pop chart in 1964.

He continued to record music for HMV until 1967. During this time, he also performed in nightclubs. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Danny faced some difficult times. He had health challenges and financial difficulties.

However, he started singing again in the early 1970s. In 1977, he had a top 30 hit with "Dancin' Easy." In the early 1990s, he recorded for Prestige Records. He also starred in a tribute show for the famous singer Nat King Cole. This show toured around Britain. Many compilation albums of his early songs, including "Moon River," have been released on CD.

His Final Years

Danny Williams passed away in December 2005. He was 63 years old and died from lung cancer. He was married three times. He is survived by his two daughters, Natali and Melody, and his two sons, actor Anthony Barclay and Michael Stewart.

Danny Williams' Music

Albums

(Record label in parenthesis)

• 1961: Danny Williams (HMV)
• 1962: The Exciting Danny Williams (United Artists)
• 1962: Swinging for You (with Nelson Riddle) (HMV)
• 1964: With You in Mind (United Artists)
• 1964: White on White (United Artists)
• 1966: Romance with Danny Williams (Music for Pleasure)
• 1966: Only Love (HMV)
• 1968: Danny Williams (Deram)
• 1972: Danny Williams (Contour)
• 1973: I'm a Song – Sing Me (Philips)
• 1975: To Know You Is to Love You (Philips)
• 1977: Anytime Anyplace Anywhere (Philips)

Singles