Deniece Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Deniece Williams
|
|
|---|---|
Williams in 1982
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | June Deniece Chandler |
| Also known as | Niecy Williams |
| Born | June 3, 1950 Gary, Indiana, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1968–present |
| Labels | |
Deniece Williams, born June 3, 1950, is an American singer. Many people call her "one of the great soul voices"!
She is famous for her songs like "Free", "Silly", and "It's Gonna Take a Miracle". She also had two number one hits: "Let's Hear It for the Boy" and "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late" (with Johnny Mathis).
Deniece has won four Grammys and was nominated twelve times! She also sang the theme song, "Without Us", for the TV show Family Ties with Johnny Mathis.
Growing Up: Deniece Williams' Early Life
Deniece Williams was born and grew up in Gary, Indiana, USA.
She went to Morgan State University to study nursing. But she left after about a year and a half. She said, "You have to be a good student to be in college, and I wasn't."
Deniece Williams' Music Career
Starting Out: Late 1960s to 1975
Deniece started singing in clubs while she was in college. She said it was "a lot of fun." During these years, she also worked for a telephone company and at a hospital.
She recorded some early songs as Deniece Chandler. One of these, "I'm Walking Away", is still popular in England. In 1969, she briefly sang with a group called the Lovelites.
Becoming Famous: 1975 to 1987
Deniece became a backup vocalist for the famous singer Stevie Wonder. She sang on his albums like Talking Book and Songs in the Key of Life. She also sang backup for other artists like Minnie Riperton.
In 1975, she signed a record deal with Columbia Records. She worked with Maurice White and Charles Stepney to create her first album.
First Album: This Is Niecy
Her first album, This Is Niecy, came out in 1976. It was a big hit, reaching high spots on the music charts. The album sold so well that it was certified Gold in the US and Silver in the UK.
A song from the album, "Free", became very popular. It reached number one in the UK!
Second Album: Song Bird
After Charles Stepney passed away, Maurice White produced Deniece's second album, Song Bird, in 1977. Critics loved it, praising her amazing four-octave voice.
A song from this album, "Baby, Baby My Love's All for You", also did well on the charts.
Duets with Johnny Mathis
Deniece recorded a duet with Johnny Mathis called "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late". This song became a number one hit on three different Billboard charts!
They then released a whole album together in 1978, called That's What Friends Are For. This album was also very successful and earned a Gold certification.
More Solo Albums
In 1979, Deniece released her fourth album, When Love Comes Calling. A song from this album, "I've Got the Next Dance", hit number one on the Dance/Club Play chart.
Her next album, My Melody, came out in 1981. It was produced by Thom Bell, who was known for his elegant pop-soul music. This album also went Gold. The song "Silly" was a popular hit from this album.
Niecy and "It's Gonna Take a Miracle"
In 1982, Deniece released the album Niecy. It was praised for her clear voice and wide range.
A song from this album, "It's Gonna Take a Miracle", became a number one hit on the Hot Soul Songs chart. Deniece and Johnny Mathis also recorded "Without Us", the theme song for the popular TV show Family Ties.
I'm So Proud and Let's Hear It for the Boy
Her 1983 album, I'm So Proud, was nominated for a Grammy Award.
In 1984, she released Let's Hear It for the Boy. The title song became a huge number one hit on several charts! It was also featured in the movie Footloose. The song sold millions and was certified Platinum.
Gospel Music: 1980 to 1987
While Deniece made many pop and R&B hits, she also started focusing on Gospel music. In 1980, she performed a gospel show with friends, and many people were inspired.
At the 1985 Grammy Awards, she chose to sing a gospel song, "God Is Amazing", instead of her big hit "Let's Hear It for the Boy".
First Gospel Album
Her first gospel album, So Glad I Know, came out in 1986. It reached number 6 on the Christian Albums chart. She won two Grammy Awards for songs from this album: "I Surrender All" and "They Say" (with Sandi Patti).
R&B, Gospel, and Jazz: 1987 to 2000
In 1987, Deniece released Water Under the Bridge. The song "Never Say Never" was a hit on the R&B charts.
Her next album, As Good As It Gets, came out in 1988. Songs like "I Can't Wait" and "This Is as Good as It Gets" were popular.
In 1989, she released her second gospel album, Special Love.
Deniece also sang on albums by other artists like Nancy Wilson and George Duke. In 1999, she released another gospel album, This Is My Song, which won a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.
Recent Years: 2000 to Present
In 2007, Deniece released Love, Niecy Style. She also performed in her hometown of Gary, Indiana, and was honored for her achievements.
In 2008, Deniece announced plans for a program called KOP—Kids of Promise—in Gary, Indiana. This program would offer classes and activities in education and performing arts for children.
In 2010, she performed "Silly" with singer Monica at the BET Awards. In 2021, she released a new EP called Gemini. She was also honored as one of the first people inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2023, she received the keys to the city of Kingston, Jamaica.
Deniece Williams' Vocal Style
Deniece Williams is known for her amazing four-octave vocal range. She has a clear and strong soprano voice. Music critics have often pointed out how high and beautifully she can sing. Some have even compared her vocal skills to other famous singers like Minnie Riperton and Mariah Carey.
Deniece Williams' Family Life
Deniece Williams has been married three times and has four sons. She kept her first husband's last name, Williams, for her singing career.
Deniece Williams' Awards
Deniece Williams has won several Grammy Awards for her music. Here are some of her nominations and wins:
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Best Female R&B Vocal Performance | "It's Gonna Take a Miracle" | Nominated |
| 1984 | Best Female R&B Vocal Performance | I'm So Proud | Nominated |
| 1984 | Best Inspirational Performance | "Whiter Than Snow" | Nominated |
| 1985 | Best Female Pop Vocal Performance | "Let's Hear It for the Boy" | Nominated |
| 1985 | Best Female R&B Vocal Performance | Let's Hear It for the Boy | Nominated |
| 1987 | Best Female Gospel Performance | So Glad I Know | Nominated |
| 1987 | Best Female Soul Gospel Performance | "I Surrender All" | Won |
| 1987 | Best Duo or Group Gospel Performance | "They Say" (with Sandi Patti) | Won |
| 1988 | Best Female Gospel Performance | "I Believe in You" | Won |
| 1989 | Best Female Gospel Performance | "Do You Hear What I Hear?" | Nominated |
| 1990 | Best Female Gospel Performance | "Healing" | Nominated |
| 1990 | Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group | "We Sing Praises" (with Natalie Cole) | Nominated |
| 1999 | Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album | This Is My Song | Won |
See Also
- List of number-one hits (United States)
- List of artists who reached number one on the Hot 100 (U.S.)
- List of number-one dance hits (United States)
- List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Dance chart
Contents
|
