The greatest guitarist of pop, rock and soul music has passed
last week, Mr. David Williams. Mr. Williams launched an
international career as a guitarist for the MIGHTY DELLS and THE
TEMPTATIONS, and then as a singer, song-writer, producer, and
guitarist with his band CHANSON back in the mid 70’s.
William’s went on to make the top of the charts with his
hit single “Don’t Hold Back” with Chanson,
which went number one in 1978, and caught the ear of a young
performer named MICHAEL JACKSON, who called Mr. Williams and
asked him to work with him.
At this invitation, David Williams, already undergoing great
success, put his solo career with Chanson on hold, and went on to
work closely with Michael Jackson on his albums ‘Off the
Wall’, ‘Bad.’ and ‘Thriller’
records among more, touring the world for these and what was the
biggest tour, ‘Thriller’, for the biggest selling
record of all time. Reportedly, during one creative conflict
between Mr. Williams and Mr. Jackson’s producer Quincy
Jones, Michael Jackson stepped forward and demanded that
David’s guitar be added back to the recordings, stating, if
David Williams walks, Michael walks. Needless to say, Mr. Jackson
got his way, David Williams stayed, and his now legendary riffs
that are signature to the sounds of The King of Pop can be heard
on his records to this day. Williams went on to further work with
the Jackson 5, becoming close friends of members of the legendary
family.
Of Michael Jackson, Williams stated, “There’s no body
better than Michael. Every body wanted a piece of Michael, and
his problem is that he is just too nice, and gets taken advantage
of. All of those people just wanted money out of
him…” Mr. Williams, who also toured extensively with
Madonna, had this to say of the Queen of Pop, “I love
Madonna. I would do any thing for that woman. She treated me
right, and I consider her a friend.…”
When Michael Jackson wasn’t touring, other stars wanted to
have what Michael had, and that was David Williams- And they got
him. Music legends including JULIO IGLESIAS, GEORGE BENSON, THE
MANHATTAN TRANSER, MICHAEL McDONALD, MELISSA MANCHESTER, THE
TEMPTATIONS, STEVIE NICKS, ROD STEWART, DIONNE WARWICK, SHALAMAR,
GO WEST, THE CARPENTERS, ARETHA FRANKLIN, BRYAN FERRY, MARIAH
CAREY, JULIAN LENNON, YURI, GENESIS, THE POINTER SISTERS, BOZ
SCAGGS, THE TUBES, THE BEATLES’ PAUL McCARTNEY, JOHNNY
MATHIS, DEL SHANNON, CHAKA KHAN, THE FOUR TOPS, KENNY LOGGINS,
JOURNEY’s STEVE PERRY, MADONNA, and countless more hired
the best guitarist in the world they could find that money could
buy; MR. DAVID WILLIAMS.
David Williams was recently inducted in to the GUINNESS BOOK OF
WORLD RECORDS for being the guitarist working and appearing on
the most number one hit records in the world of all time, a fact
he was justly proud of, and that was driven by his huge ambition
and non-stop work ethic.
David Williams was a man of faith, who spoke often of his trust
in God, and his love of the U.S. as a combat veteran from Viet
Nam. His massive energy fueled and motivated all those he was in
contact with. He stated that if he wasn’t a musician,
he’d have been a stand up comic. He filled many lives not
only with his huge talent, but also with his daily jokes, funny
spirit, and humor despite all odds.
He loved life, loved the music industry, and stated to his
manager Bruce Edwin, “I have lived a hundred, a thousand
lives in one lifetime. I have lived the life people only dream
of… I have toured and performed with the biggest stars in
the world. And I thank God every day. I have been very
blessed…”
David Williams’ most recent work in development included a
planned concert for NELSON MANDELLA, and performing again with
the King of Pop, MICHAEL JACKSON. His other planned projects
included his work as Music Producer on the upcoming feature film
SONS OF THUNDER®, about the life story of Martin Luther King
Jr’s brother Alfred Daniel King, headed by ALVEDA KING and
CONRAD BULLARD, with executives Mr. Edwin and Mr. Williams, as
well as a new album with recording artist MOIRA CUE, also repped
by Williams’ Manager Bruce Edwin of STARPOWER MANAGEMENT
LLC.
Contrary to misinformed media reports, David Williams, who was
well insured, was hospitalized last Monday, March 2nd, due to
natural causes. He passed on Friday morning, March 6th, under the
proper care of hospital staff, and with the love of members of
his family. He passed on with dignity and respect. He was
58.
David Williams often stated that even better than all of his
worldly successes as a musician, he was most proud of his
daughters. His family includes his daughters KIMBERLY PERRY,
MICHELLE PERRY, DANA WILLIAMS, and DAVIDA WILLIAMS, his brothers
LARRY WILLIAMS and CLARENCE WILLIAMS, his sisters DELORES MAJOR,
DORIS CARMICHAEL, and ELAINE PATTERSON, any many nephews and
nieces including niece TRACEY SCOTT.
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Hollywood Sentinel. This article and photo may not be reproduced
in whole or in part without the express written permission of The
Hollywood Sentinel.com. Tel: 310-226-7176.
Bryan Ferry Tribute to David Williams
David Williams Management: www.starpowermanagementllc.com®