Maurice Williams, the lead singer of Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs and the songwriter behind their 1960 hit “Stay,” passed away on August 6, as announced by the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. He was 86 years old.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born on April 26, 1938, in Lancaster, S.C., Maurice Williams was a significant figure in the American doo-wop scene during the latter half of the 20th century. His musical journey began early when he formed his first group, the Royal Charms, while still in high school. This group eventually evolved into Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs.
The Hit Song “Stay”
Maurice Williams is most renowned for the 1960 hit song “Stay,” which he penned as a teenager and performed with The Zodiacs. The track quickly became a classic, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. At just 1 minute and 36 seconds, it holds the record for being the shortest song to ever top the charts.
Legacy and Influence
The enduring popularity of “Stay” led to its inclusion in movies like “Dirty Dancing.” Artists such as The Hollies and the Four Seasons covered the song early on, with Jackson Browne performing it live for his 1977 “Running On Empty” album. The song was also featured in the 1979 No Nukes concert at Madison Square Garden, where Browne, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and others performed it.
Personal Reflections on “Stay”
Reflecting on the creation of “Stay,” Williams shared, “It took me about thirty minutes to write ‘Stay,’ then I threw it away. We were looking for songs to record as Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs. I was over at my girlfriend’s house playing the tape of songs I had written when her little sister said, ‘Please do the song with the high voice in it.’ I knew she meant ‘Stay.’ She was about 12 years old, and I said to myself, ‘She’s the age of record buying,’ and the rest is history. I thank God for her.”
Continued Success and Contributions
Following the immense success of “Stay,” Maurice Williams continued to tour and perform, keeping the spirit of doo-wop music alive. While he never replicated the massive success of his hit song, he remained a beloved figure in the genre.
Later Years and Legacy
In the mid-1960s, Williams settled in Charlotte, N.C., and in 2010, he was inducted into the state’s Hall of Fame. Despite this, he frequently returned to Lancaster, where he performed at local events and mentored aspiring musicians.
Remembering Maurice Williams
Maurice Williams is survived by his wife, Emily.
FAQs
Q: What was Maurice Williams’ most famous song?
A: Maurice Williams’ most famous song was “Stay,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1960.
Q: Where was Maurice Williams born?
A: Maurice Williams was born in Lancaster, S.C., on April 26, 1938.
Q: What was Maurice Williams’ musical journey?
A: Maurice Williams began his musical journey early, forming his first group, the Royal Charms, during high school, which eventually evolved into Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs.
Q: How did Maurice Williams create the song “Stay”?
A: Maurice Williams wrote “Stay” in about thirty minutes and initially discarded it until a young girl’s request led to its recording and subsequent success.
Credit: variety.com
