Legendary Voice Behind 1960 Hit Song Passes Away at 86

August 21, 2024

Maurice Williams, the iconic voice behind Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, has passed away at the age of 86, leaving behind a musical legacy that transcended generations.

At a Glance

Maurice Williams, singer and songwriter, died on Aug. 6 in Charlotte, N.C. at age 86.
He was known for the 1960 single “Stay” with his doo-wop group the Zodiacs, which reached No. 1.
“Stay” became a popular cover song for acts like the Four Seasons, the Hollies, and Jackson Browne.
Williams was inspired by a girl he dated at 15 for his hits “Little Darlin’” and “Stay.”
“Stay” was notable for its short length, slightly over 90 seconds, to increase airplay.

A Lasting Legacy in Doo-Wop

Maurice Williams, who died on August 6, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C., left an indelible mark on the music industry. Known for the chart-topping single “Stay,” Williams provided the world with a timeless doo-wop classic. Released in 1960, “Stay” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its place in music history. The song, notable for its brevity at just over 90 seconds, was intentionally made short to get more airplay.

The Zodiacs’ Henry Gaston delivered the song’s signature falsetto line, a part that remains memorable to fans. The group’s simplicity and charm helped “Stay” become a song that resonated across generations. Maurice Williams often shared the story behind the inspiration for “Stay,” which was a conversation with his girlfriend about staying longer at his house.

Maurice Williams, Writer and Lead Singer of ‘Stay,’ Dies at 86 https://t.co/hBdr4cloa4

— billboard (@billboard) August 17, 2024

Maurice Williams: The Man Behind the Music

Maurice Williams was born on April 26, 1938, in Lancaster, S.C. He formed his first group, the Royal Charms, in high school, which later became Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs. Williams’ hit “Little Darlin’” during his time with the Gladiolas, reached No. 41 on the Billboard pop chart in 1957. He later achieved more significant success with “Stay.” According to Williams, the inspiration came from a girl he dated at 15, Mary Shropshire.

“Maurice Williams, the singer and songwriter whose 1960 single ‘Stay,’ recorded with his doo-wop group the Zodiacs, shot to No. 1 and became a cover-song staple for a long line of musical acts, including the Four Seasons, the Hollies and Jackson Browne, died on Aug. 6 in Charlotte, N.C. He was 86.

Despite the success of “Stay,” Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs are considered one-hit wonders. However, the song’s influence continued to grow as it was covered by notable acts such as the Four Seasons, the Hollies, and Jackson Browne. Williams discussed the origins of “Stay” in various interviews, including a 2018 video interview, where he mentioned how a young listener revived the song.

Maurice Williams, the singer and songwriter, has died at 86. His 1960 single “Stay,” recorded with his doo-wop group the Zodiacs, shot to No. 1 and became a cover-song staple for a long line of musical acts. https://t.co/da5G2YeAda

— New York Times Arts (@nytimesarts) August 18, 2024

The Enduring Impact of “Stay”

The song “Stay” has remained etched in pop culture. It became the third No. 1 in Hot 100 history both written and recorded by a Black artist. “Stay” was featured in prominent films such as “American Hot Wax” and “Dirty Dancing,” amplifying its legacy. Despite not achieving major honors, Williams’ contributions to music are cemented through these iconic film placements and the enduring popularity of “Stay.”

“’Stay’ was memorably featured in two films – ‘American Hot Wax,’ a 1978 film about legendary DJ Alan Freed, and the 1987 blockbuster ‘Dirty Dancing,’ another nostalgic film that provided relief from the woes of that era, including Iran/Contra and AIDS. ‘Stay’ was featured on the Dirty Dancing soundtrack, which topped the Billboard 200 for 18 nonconsecutive weeks.”

In the mid-1960s, Williams settled in Charlotte, N.C., and was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2010. He frequently returned to Lancaster to perform at local events and mentor young musicians. Maurice Williams’ impact on rock and roll is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to inspire musicians and fans alike.