Maurice Williams, a beloved rhythm and blues singer and composer best known for the timeless ballad “Stay” with his group the Zodiacs, passed away at the age of 86. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame confirmed his death on August 6 but did not release further details.
Williams, who had been involved in music since his childhood, joined forces with the Zodiacs for a studio session in 1960 that led to the recording of “Stay.” Despite being just over 1 minute and 30 seconds long, the song became a major success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart in 1960. It became the group’s only major hit, although it was covered by various artists and gained popularity over the years.
Inspired by a teenage crush named Mary Shropshire, “Stay” featured Williams’ distinctive vocals and a memorable falsetto shout by Shane Gaston. Throughout his career, Williams faced disappointments as a songwriter, including writing “Little Darlin,” which became a hit for another group, and “May I,” which found success with a different artist after his label went bankrupt.
Despite the setbacks, Williams remained active in the music industry, participating in oldies tours and tributes. He released albums like “Let This Night Last” and “Back to Basics” and was honored with induction into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2010. Williams, who hailed from Lancaster, South Carolina, had a passion for music from a young age and found quick success with his iconic song “Stay.”
Reflecting on the creation of “Stay,” Williams once shared that the song came together in about thirty minutes, and it was a young girl’s request that convinced him to record it. His enduring legacy in the music world lives on through his timeless hit, and he will be remembered for his contributions to rhythm and blues music.
