Maurice Williams, a legendary rhythm and blues singer and composer known for the timeless classic ballad 'Stay,' has passed away at the age of 86. Williams, who was a prolific writer and performer from a young age, achieved fame with his backing group the Zodiacs during a studio session in 1960.
The group's recording of 'Stay,' a song Williams had written as a teenager, made history with its captivating plea to an unnamed girl. The song, featuring the iconic falsetto shout 'OH, WON'T YOU STAY, JUST A LITTLE BIT LONGER!,' became a chart-topper in 1960, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart and becoming the group's only major success.
Despite facing disappointments in his career, such as the song 'Little Darlin' becoming a hit for another group, Williams continued to be a respected figure in the music industry. He was known for his appearances on oldies tours and tributes, as well as for his albums 'Let This Night Last' and 'Back to Basics.'
Williams, who was born in Lancaster, South Carolina, had a deep-rooted passion for music from a young age. He started singing in church and later formed various harmony groups before finding success with the Zodiacs. His signature hit 'Stay' was inspired by a teenage crush, Mary Shropshire, and became a beloved oldie that was covered by renowned artists like Jackson Browne, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Petty.
Williams' impact on the music industry was recognized when he was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2010. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless music and a devoted wife, Emily.
