Jerry Williams (singer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerry Williams
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Williams in 2012
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Erik Sven Fernström |
| Born | 15 April 1942 Solna, Sweden |
| Died | 25 March 2018 (aged 75) Täby, Sweden |
| Years active | 1962–2018 |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Labels | Sunglasses, Sonet, Eurodisc |
| Associated acts |
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Erik Sven Fernström (born April 15, 1942 – died March 25, 2018) was a famous Swedish singer and actor. He was best known by his stage name, Jerry Williams. He started his music journey as the lead singer of a band called The Violents. Later, he became a very successful solo artist.
Contents
Growing Up: Jerry's Early Life
Jerry Williams grew up in Solna, Sweden, in a working-class family. His family lived in a small, one-room apartment. When Jerry was just twelve years old, his mother, who was a nurse, passed away. His father then raised Jerry and his brother by himself.
Jerry was very active and loved sports when he was young. He played football, ice hockey, and was involved in cycle sport. He was also a member of a boxing club called Narva BK. Before becoming a singer, Jerry worked as a plumber.
Jerry's Amazing Music Career
Jerry Williams joined a Swedish band called The Violents in 1962. This band was formed in 1959 and was inspired by the English guitar group The Shadows. When Jerry joined, he became the main singer and frontman.
In 1962, Jerry and The Violents released their version of the song "Darling Nelly Grey." It quickly became a huge hit in Sweden!
Opening for Music Legends
Jerry Williams and The Violents had some incredible opportunities. In 1962, they were opening acts for Little Richard at the Star-Club in Hamburg. The famous band The Beatles were also opening acts at the same club! The next year, when The Beatles toured Sweden in 1963, Jerry and The Violents opened for them again. The Violents band eventually stopped performing in 1966.
Solo Success and New Sounds
In the late 1960s, Jerry Williams started making music with a soul sound. His song "Keep On" became a big hit in Sweden in 1969.
In the early 1970s, Jerry went back to his rock and roll roots. He performed with a band called Roadwork for about ten years. He also toured with another band, The Telstars, during this time.
Biggest Hits and Stage Shows
In 1989, Jerry Williams released his most famous song, "Did I Tell You." This song became his biggest hit ever! The album it came from, JW, helped a new generation of fans discover his music. A music video was also made for "Did I Tell You."
Jerry was also known for his exciting stage shows. He performed "Live på Börsen" at Hamburger Börs in Stockholm. He followed this with other popular shows like Live 'n Jive (1999) and Jerka (2002). He also had shows like "Ringside" (2005) and "Dynamite" (2009-2010). Jerry often appeared on the popular TV show Allsång på Skansen.
Jerry Williams received a cultural award from the Swedish Trade Union Confederation in 1985. In 1991, he was even featured on a Swedish postage stamp! He also sang in the choir for the Swedish entry "En dag" in the Eurovision Song Contest 1989.
Farewell Tour and Final Songs
On January 17, 2013, Jerry Williams started his farewell tour called Jerry – The Farewell Show. Over 100,000 tickets were sold for this tour across Sweden.
In 2013, Jerry worked with opera singer Malena Ernman. They sang a duet called "Counting Miracles" for her album I decembertid. This song became a number one hit on April 6, 2014.
Jerry's Unique Way of Speaking
One special thing about Jerry Williams was his unique way of speaking. He used a special kind of language based on old Stockholm dialects and slang. He also mixed in words and phrases used by musicians who toured a lot. Jerry even made up some of his own words and expressions! Sometimes, when he was on national TV, his words would be subtitled in standard Swedish so everyone could understand.
Jerry's Personal Life
Jerry Williams lived a very private life away from the stage. He enjoyed spending time with his family, his dogs, and exercising. He was a big supporter of the sports club AIK.
Jerry was married since 1977 and had two daughters with his wife. Before he got married, he was a single father to a son. Jerry Williams passed away from cancer in Täby, Sweden, on March 25, 2018. He was 75 years old.
Acting Roles
Besides his music, Jerry Williams also acted in films and TV shows.
- In 1983, he made his acting debut in the movie G – som i gemenskap.
- He also acted in the musical "Cats."
- He voiced the character Chanticleer in the Swedish version of the animated movie Rock-a-Doodle (1991).
- He played Einar Vanheden in the film Lilla Jönssonligan och cornflakeskuppen (1996).
- He appeared as himself in TV shows like C/o Segemyhr (1999) and Håkan Bråkan (2003).
Images for kids
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Williams in 2012
