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Larry Williams |
Larry Williams (May 10, 1935 - January 7, 1980) was an American R&B and Rock and Roll singer, songwriter and pianist from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is best known for writing and recording some Rock 'n' Roll standards from 1957 to 1959 for Specialty Records, including "Bony Moronie" and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy."
Several of his songs achieved later success as cover versions by The Beatles ("Bad Boy", "Slow Down", and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy"); The Rolling Stones ("She Said Yeah"); and John Lennon ("Bony Moronie" and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy").
Williams' first records were released by Specialty Records, as that label's biggest star, Little Richard, left Rock 'n' Roll in July 1957 to pursue the ministry. Groomed as Richard's successor, Williams' records had the same raw, piano-driven intensity.
Larry Williams in good company |
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Williams had been involved with underworld activity since his early teens, and had reputedly been a pimp before he ever recorded music. In the late 1950s his music career suffered a setback when he was arrested for dealing narcotics. However, Williams made a comeback in the mid-sixties with a band that included Johnny "Guitar" Watson, which paired him musically with Little Richard at the Okeh Club. This period garnered fewer hits but produced some of his best and most original work. There was also a brief dalliance with disco in the seventies.
Williams wild lifestyle continued, and by the late 1970's violence took its toll on him and his friends. In 1977, Little Richard narrowly escaped being shot by his long-time friend, Williams, over a drug debt. This, along with other factors led to Richard's return to the born again Christian ministry, but Williams would not escape. In 1980 Williams died from a gun-shot wound in his Los Angeles, California home. The death was deemed suicide, though there was much speculation otherwise. No suspects were ever arrested or charged.
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| Article courtesy of www.wikipedia.org |
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