If there is one thing the city of Gary, Indiana would probably be best known for, and it’s for being the birthplace of the Michael Jackson, as well as the Jackson clan including Janet.
However, the city also yields another musical legend, Deniece Williams, who was one of the most versatile artists of R&B and Pop, and whose songs have become everlasting classics. Perhaps one of the most soulful tracks of the 1970s was Williams’ first breakthrough single “Free”, which had also become one of the most beloved soul tracks of all time, with artists like Lil’ Kim and Seal, who have either covered or sampled the song. In 1978, she teamed up with singer Johnny Mathis for the duet “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late”, which would top the pop, R&B, and adult contemporary charts (a rare feat in music).
In the 1980s, Williams would reach the apex of her career, beginning with the song “Silly”. The 1981 song would go on to be one of the most requested songs, not only for Williams but of all time. Radio stations like Bay Area’s KBLX have kept the song in consistent airplay, as well as Williams’ cover of “It’s Gonna Take a Miracle (the most successful version of the song, as it cracked the top ten in the pop charts, and top the R&B). Also during the 1980s, Williams would have one of the biggest single of her career. That song was “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”, which topped the charts, received a Oscar nomination (as it was included in the soundtrack for Footloose), and has became a cultural mainstay, as it was featured in shows like Queer as Folk and American Dad.
Williams continues to perform and record, and has also had success in the Gospel field (having won more Grammys in that field, than she has in pop), and over 30 years after her debut, her music is still some of the most popular in musical culture today, inspiring artists like Jill Scott.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Deniece Williams, eligible since 2001.
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