Marion Williams facts for kids

Marion Williams (August 29, 1927 – July 2, 1994) was an amazing American gospel singer. She was known for her powerful voice and unique style. Many people consider her one of the greatest singers ever.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Marion Williams was born in Miami, Florida, on August 29, 1927. Her mother was very religious, and her father loved music. Marion started singing for audiences when she was very young. She learned different styles of music, like blues, jazz, and calypso.

Life was hard, and Marion left school at age nine to help her family. She worked many jobs, including as a maid and in laundries. Even though she left school early, she later graduated from Pacific Union College in 1987. She sang in church and on street corners. She was inspired by other great singers like Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Marion chose to stick with gospel music, even when others wanted her to sing pop or opera.

A Star is Born: Her Career

Joining the Ward Singers

In 1946, Marion visited a friend in Philadelphia. She sang for an audience that included Clara and Gertrude Ward. They were famous gospel singers and immediately saw her talent. They offered her a job, and in 1947, she joined their group, the Famous Ward Singers.

Marion's strong voice and energetic style made her a huge star in the group. Her first recording with them was How Far Am I from Canaan in 1948. Then came the hit song Surely God Is Able. This song made Marion and the Ward Singers super famous. Their concerts were packed with excited fans.

Forming the Stars of Faith

After eleven years with the Ward Singers, Marion felt she wasn't getting paid enough. So, in 1958, she and most of the other group members left. They formed a new group called the Stars of Faith. At first, this new group didn't have the same success. Marion stepped back a bit to let other members shine.

However, the Stars of Faith became popular again in 1961. They appeared in a play called Black Nativity. This play was performed in New York City and then toured across North America and Europe.

A Solo Journey

In 1965, Marion Williams decided to start her solo career. After her mother's funeral in Miami, she felt a renewed passion for music. She began touring colleges all over the country. One of her most famous songs from this time is Standing Here Wondering Which Way to Go.

Marion Williams' Music Style

Marion Williams had an incredibly powerful voice. She could sing very high notes clearly and loudly. She could also sing deep, growling low notes, like a country preacher. Her amazing voice helped make the Ward Singers nationally popular. She even inspired rock and roll pioneer Little Richard's famous singing style.

On Screen and Stage

Film Appearances

Marion Williams appeared in a 1990 video called Amazing Grace with Bill Moyers. She opened the show by singing the famous song Amazing Grace. She also performed as a gospel singer in the 1991 movie Fried Green Tomatoes. Her scene is only in the director's cut of the movie. The film was dedicated to her memory.

Television Appearances

Marion also appeared on TV shows. On Hootenanny, a musical variety show, she performed songs like Packin' Up. She also sang two songs on the Merv Griffin show. During that appearance, she even sang a duet with Merv Griffin, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands.

Awards and Recognition

Marion Williams received many honors for her incredible talent. In 1993, the MacArthur Foundation honored her. They called her "one of the most versatile singers of her generation." They also said she was one of the last links to the "golden age" of gospel music.

In the same year, 1993, she was one of the people honored at the Kennedy Center Honors. This special event celebrates artists for their lifetime achievements. Famous musicians like Billy Preston, Little Richard, and Aretha Franklin performed to honor her.

Her Life and Legacy

Marion Williams was a respected member and "Church Mother" at the BM Oakley Memorial Church of God in Christ in Philadelphia. She passed away on July 2, 1994, at the age of 66. She is buried at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia. Her music continues to inspire people around the world.