Deniece Williams, known for her soaring, four-octave soprano voice, emerged as a distinctive talent during the soul era. Starting her career in 1968, she gained recognition in the ’70s through collaborations with legends like Stevie Wonder, Maurice White, Ray Parker Jr., and George Duke. Williams’ debut album, ‘This Is Niecy’ in 1976, achieved gold certification with hits like ‘Free.’ Her career flourished with chart-toppers like ‘Too Much, Too Little, Too Late’ and ‘Let’s Hear It for the Boy,’ along with Grammy wins for her gospel works. Born as June Deniece Chandler in Gary, Indiana, Williams was influenced by vocalists Carmen McRae and Nancy Wilson and started recording singles in her late teens.
Joining Stevie Wonder’s group, Wonderlove, marked a turning point in Williams’ career as a background vocalist. Collaborating with Motown artists and contributing to iconic albums like ‘Talking Book’ and ‘Songs in the Key of Life’ paved the way for her solo endeavors. Williams’ journey as a solo artist, starting with ‘This Is Niecy,’ led to a series of successful albums and hits, including her Grammy-nominated duet ‘Too Much, Too Little, Too Late.’ Her versatile music style transitioned from soul to disco and gospel, earning her critical acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations. With a career spanning decades, Williams continues to captivate audiences with her timeless music and occasional releases, showcasing her enduring talent and passion for music.