Tony Williams (singer) facts for kids

Tony Williams (born Samuel Edward Williams; April 5, 1928 – August 14, 1992) was an American singer. He was best known as the lead singer of the famous Doo-wop group, The Platters, from 1953 to 1960. His powerful voice helped make The Platters one of the most successful groups of their time.

Early Life and The Platters

Tony Williams was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on April 5, 1928. His parents were Bertha and Edward Williams.

After serving in the United States Army Air Forces around the end of World War II, Tony moved to Los Angeles. There, he joined his older sister, Bertha, who was a successful singer known as Linda Hayes. Tony worked different jobs and sang in evening talent shows.

Tony caught the attention of Ralph Bass from Federal Records. Bass connected him with a group called the Flamingos. This group included Gaynel Hodge, David Lynch, Alex Hodge, and Herb Reed. They soon changed their name to The Platters.

In September 1953, The Platters made their first recordings with Tony as the lead singer. Their early songs were not very popular. However, Tony's sister, Linda Hayes, introduced him to booking agent and songwriter Buck Ram. Ram was very impressed by Tony's high tenor voice. He agreed to manage the group and also hoped to help Tony become a solo singer.

Rise to Stardom

The Platters continued to record and perform locally. Sometimes, they even sang backup for Linda Hayes. In late 1955, they signed with Mercury Records.

Their first song with Mercury was "Only You (And You Alone)". Tony Williams sang lead, and the song became a national hit. In early 1956, "The Great Pretender" followed. This song, also with Tony as lead singer, became a huge success on both the R&B and pop charts. It was also popular around the world.

For the next three years, The Platters had many more hit songs. These included "My Prayer", "Twilight Time", and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes". Tony Williams was the lead singer on all these songs. His unique voice helped make The Platters one of the most famous doo-wop groups of the 1950s. One reviewer from Britain even called his voice "unearthly," meaning it sounded incredibly special.

Solo Career and Later Years

In 1959, Tony Williams decided to leave The Platters to start a solo career. He continued to work with Buck Ram as his manager. Tony recorded an album called A Girl Is A Girl Is A Girl.

He later won a legal case that allowed him to officially leave the group. In 1961, he signed as a solo singer with Reprise Records. He recorded an album called Tony Williams Sings His Greatest Hits. This album included new versions of some of The Platters' famous songs. The next year, he returned to Philips Records. He released another album, The Magic Touch Of Tony, in 1962.

Tony married Helen Williams in 1963. Later, he performed with his own version of The Platters, called the International Platters, which also featured his wife.

In 1990, Tony Williams was honored for his contributions to music. He was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Platters.

Tony Williams passed away in Manhattan in 1992. He had been living with diabetes and died from emphysema.

Solo Discography

• Magic Touch of Tony – Philips PHM-200-051 (mono)/Philips PHS-600-051 (stereo) – 1962
• A Girl Is a Girl Is A Girl – Mercury SR-60138 – 1969 (previously Mercury MG 20454 – 1961)
• Tony Williams Sings His Greatest Hits – Gold Dust Records Dust 934 (Italy) – 1994
• The Voice of The Platters – Vintage Music −2014