Billy Williams (singer)
Wilfred Williams was an American singer. He had a successful cover recording of Fats Waller's "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter" in 1957. The record sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc.
Early years
A Methodist minister's son, Williams was born in Waco, Texas. His early youth was spent in Texas before the family moved to Ohio. Growing up, he sang in choirs at churches where his father was the pastor, with his mother often the choir director. He was frequently a soloist, and he also learned to help her arrange music.Military service
Williams served in the Army during World War II; he received a medical discharge in 1944.Career
While a student at Wilberforce University, Williams became the lead singer of the Charioteers; he sang with the group from 1930 to 1950, when he formed his own Billy Williams Quartet with Eugene Dixon, Claude Riddick and John Ball. Many radio and television appearances followed: as regular guests and chorus on the Bing Crosby radio show from 1942 to 1946 and Your Show of Shows with Sid Caesar.Williams also headed the Billy Williams Revue, "a complete show package of dancers, singers, musicians and comedians". The troupe performed in Canada, the Caribbean, and across the United States.