William Powell
William Powell (January 20, 1942 – May 26, 1977)Powell was a founding member of the Canton, Ohio-based musical group The O'Jays. He was the high tenor of the group. Along with Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, Bill Isles and Bobby Massey the group formed in the summer of 1958 as The Triumphs. Two years later they became the Mascots. In 1961, they released their debut single "Miracles". In 1963 in tribute to a Cleveland, Ohio radio disc jockey Eddie O'Jay they took on the name O'Jays Boys and then The O'Jays. They had their first hit "Lonely Drifter" that same year. With Bill Isles and Bobby Massey leaving the group, they were now a trio who joined songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Philadelphia International Records. During the l970's they recorded a string of hits; "Back Stabbers", "Love Train", "For the Love of Money", "Give the People What They Want", "I Love Music," and many others. Suffering from advanced colon cancer and a drug addiction, William had to stop touring with the group in 1976. Powell died from cancer at age 35 on May 26, 1977. He is buried at Forest Hill Cemetery in Canton, Ohio.
Reacties
Een reactie posten