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.[3]
Military service
Williams served in the Army during World War II; he received a medical discharge in 1944.[4]
Career
While a student at Wilberforce University,[3] Williams became the lead singer of the Charioteers;[5] 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.[6]
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.[7]
Later years
By the early 1960s Williams struggled to retain his voice due to complications of diabetes.[citation needed] In the years before his death, Williams worked in New York City with a program to help homeless men.[8]
Personal life
Williams was married to Lois Traverse,[3] and they had two children. In 1957, Traverse had charges of desertion and non-support against him dismissed after the two reached a financial support agreement. The case was heard in Bergen County, New Jersey.[9]
Death
On October 12, 1972, Williams died in Chicago, Illinois, after having a heart attack. He was 61 years old.[10]
^Acacia Lawn, lot 32A, grave 5, Burr Oak Cemetery, Alsip (sw Chicago), IL., Wilson, Scott. Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed.: 2 (Kindle Locations 50996-50997). McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers. Kindle Edition.
