Huey P. Williams, beloved lead singer of The Jackson Southernaires, died Monday at the age of 80.
His death marked the end of the legendary quartet gospel — a music genre to which he passionately lent his talents for over five decades. Initial reports noted that Williams died peacefully at his home in Smithdale, Mississippi, but no official cause of death was disclosed, according to Billboard. Williams was hailed as a true trailblazer in traditional gospel music. He is being remembered for his soulful storytelling and incredible vocal skills.
Musical talent ran in the singer’s family. He was the elder brother of Frank Williams, who later founded the Mississippi Mass Choir, and of Melvin, Doug and Leonard Williams, of the Grammy-nominated Williams Brothers.
“My big brother Huey, in my eyes, was in a league of his own,” Doug said.
He memorialized his brother by saying, “he possessed a signature voice that was unmistakably his own.”
“His music ministry touched so many lives in such a positive way over the years. He had a big personality, but such a humble spirit. Huey was the epitome of a people’s person, a man that loved everybody and never met a stranger. He would literally give you the shirt off his back,” Doug said, according to Billboard.
“That’s why so many people from across the country gravitated to him and loved him dearly. His presence will be sorely missed, but his undeniable legacy will live on forever,” he said.
The Jackson Southernaires were founded in 1940, and gained national fame in the 1960s. They signed with Song Bird records in 1963 and released their breakout single, “The Greatest Creator.” The band went on to release the mega-hit “Too Late” in 1968, which led to the release of their first full-length album. Some of their most popular songs include “Don’t Let Him Catch You (With Your Work Undone)” and “How Long Will It Last.”
The group became the first gospel act to sign with Malaco Records in 1975, which ultimately developed into a decades-long partnership. Under this label, The Jackson Southernaires regularly charted on the Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums, and were frequently named among Billboard’s Top Gospel/Soul Artists of the year. Their many accolades included three consecutive Gospel Music Workshop of America awards for Traditional Male Group of the Year in the late ’80s, a Stellar Award in 1989, and a Grammy nomination in 1992. They were inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame, and the city of Jackson renamed a stretch of road in their honor in 2010. It remains known as Jackson Southernaires Drive.
Their performances were emotionally charged, and exuded messages of faith and perseverance.
Williams’ true love for his craft was most evident in his answer about when he would retire from music.
“My answer to that question is, how do you give up on God? How do you give up on Gospel? How do you say, ‘I’m going to retire?’ It’s like a good marriage, until death do us part,’” he said, according to Billboard.
Williams’ final performance with the group was in late 2024. Those mourning his death and wishing to pay their final respects are invited to join a celebration of life March 29 at Fernwood MB Church in McComb, Mississippi. (RELATED: Former ‘Jeopardy!’ Contestant Laurin Bell Dies Tragically At Age 41)
Williams is survived by his siblings, extended family, and fans across the globe that were touched by the sweet sound of his voice.
