R&B Legend Maurice Williams, Voice Behind "Stay," Dies at 86
Maurice Williams, the R&B singer-composer known for the classic "Stay," has passed away at 86. His 1960 hit became a timeless favorite, covered by numerous artists and featured in popular media.
Maurice Williams, the renowned rhythm and blues singer and composer, has passed away at the age of 86. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame announced his death on August 6, 2024, marking the end of an era for a musician whose career spanned over six decades.
Williams' legacy is inextricably linked to the classic ballad "Stay," a song that catapulted him and his group, the Zodiacs, to fame in 1960. This track, barely exceeding 90 seconds, became one of the shortest songs to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing its place in music history.
Born on April 26, 1938, in Lancaster, South Carolina, Williams began his musical journey at a young age. At 14, he formed his first group, the Junior Harmonizers, showcasing his early passion for harmony and composition. This group evolved into the Royal Charms and later the Gladiolas before finally becoming the Zodiacs, named after the Ford Zodiac car they used for touring.
The creation of "Stay" is a testament to Williams' songwriting prowess. Composed in just 30 minutes when he was 17, the song was initially discarded. It was only through the insistence of his girlfriend's younger sister that Williams reconsidered the track, recognizing its potential appeal to young listeners.
"Stay" has since transcended its original release, featuring in over 100 films and TV shows. Its inclusion in the 1987 blockbuster "Dirty Dancing" soundtrack introduced the song to a new generation, while covers by artists like Jackson Browne, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Petty kept it in the public consciousness.
Despite the monumental success of "Stay," Williams' career was not without challenges. His song "Little Darlin'," recorded with the Gladiolas in 1957, became a hit for The Diamonds, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard pop charts. Similarly, the promising 1965 ballad "May I" faced setbacks when Vee-Jay Records, one of the largest black-owned record companies of the era, went bankrupt upon its release.
Undeterred, Williams continued to perform and create music. He released albums like "Let This Night Last" and "Back to Basics," and became a fixture in oldies tours. His contributions to music were recognized with a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1992, and inductions into both the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2010.
"I thank God for her [his girlfriend's sister]. She was about 12 years old and I said to myself, 'She's the age of record buying,' and the rest is history."
Williams' impact on the music industry extends beyond his own recordings. The Four Seasons' cover of "Stay" reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964, demonstrating the song's versatility and enduring appeal. Even in his 70s, Williams continued to perform, sharing his music with audiences old and new.
As we reflect on the life of Maurice Williams, we remember not just the man behind one of rock's most unforgettable falsetto shouts, but a dedicated artist whose passion for music never waned. His legacy, encapsulated in the timeless plea of "Stay," will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.
