Marion Williams

Gospel Music Performer Class of 1993
location icon Location
Princeton, New Jersey
age iconAge
66 at time of award
age iconDate Deceased
July 02, 1994

About Marion's Work

Marion Williams was a renowned performer of gospel music.

Considered one of the most powerful voices in American music, she demonstrated a remarkably broad vocal range and produced a distinctive sound (influenced by blues, jazz and calypso music) that has influenced musicians working in a broad range of genres.  In 1947, she joined the popular Clara Ward Singers, recording such songs as “Surely God is Able” and “Packin’ Up.”  Williams starred in Langston Hughes’ premier gospel musical, “Black Nativity,” throughout its long run in the United States and Europe.

Biography

Williams formed her own group, Stars of Faith, in 1958 and also toured throughout the United States, Europe, and Africa as a soloist for many years.  Her albums include Strong Again, Surely God is Able, I’ve Come So Far, and Born to Sing the Gospel.  Her songs appeared on the soundtracks of the films Fried Green Tomatoes and Mississippi Masala.  She also recorded a capella versions of folkloric material as well as a sophisticated jazz-gospel composition by Wynton Marsalis.  Remember Me: The Definitive Collection was issued in 2005, posthumously.

Marion Willliams received the Kennedy Center Honors Award for her lifetime contribution to the performing arts (1993). 

Last updated January 1, 2006

Published on July 1, 1993

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