Beau Williams

Biography

Beau Williams, born January 6, 1950, in Houston, Texas, grew up as the son of a Baptist preacher and choir director, immersing him in music from an early age. As a teenager, he gained local fame under the name Bobo Mr Soul with a regional hit record in Houston and appeared regularly on a live television show. Nearly joining The Temptations after auditioning in Los Angeles, he was rejected for being only five feet eight inches tall, prompting him to form the group Solar Heat with his brothers, which signed to ABC but released no album before the label's decline.[1][2]

Williams launched his solo career in secular R&B/soul with Capitol Records in 1982, debuting with the self-titled album featuring 'If You're Ready' and a cover of Leon Russell's 'A Song For You,' which resonated with UK soul fans. Subsequent Capitol releases included 'Stay With Me' (1983) with 'You've Been' (backing vocals by The Temptations), 'Bodacious!' (1984) peaking at #56 on US R&B charts, and 'No More Tears' (1986) with tracks like 'All Because Of You.' In the late 1980s, he transitioned to gospel music, signing with Light Records for acclaimed albums like 'Wonderful' (1989), which peaked at #2 on Billboard Gospel charts, earned a Dove Award, and received Grammy and Stellar nominations, followed by 'Higher' (1990) and 'Love' (1992).[1][2]

Williams continued his gospel career with releases on A&M ('Power,' 1994), Insync ('They Need To Know,' 1996), and later independent labels, including 'Visions' (2005) and 'The Greatest Gift' (2002). His versatile style blends soulful R&B with gospel roots, marked by smooth vocals and emotive delivery. Beyond recording, he performed national anthem duties for the Los Angeles Lakers for six years and appeared on sports events for Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, and Houston Rockets, as well as religious TV programs like Robert Tilton's 'Success-N-Life' and Trinity Broadcasting Network.[2]

Fun Facts

• Auditioned for The Temptations in Los Angeles but was rejected for being too short at five feet eight inches.[1]
• Won on Star Search in 1984 by defeating the thirteen-week champion Sam Harris.[2]
• Served as the Los Angeles Lakers' anthem singer for six years and performed for MLB's Texas Rangers, NFL's Dallas Cowboys, and NBA's Houston Rockets.[2]
• His gospel album 'Wonderful' (1989) stayed in Billboard's top ten for 58 consecutive weeks and won a Dove Award for Song of the Year.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• George Benson - Provided backing for demo recordings (Demos produced by Wayne Henderson leading to Capitol signing) [Early 1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Wayne Henderson - Produced demo sessions (Demos for Capitol Records debut) [Early 1980s]
• The Temptations - Provided backing vocals ('You've Been' on Stay With Me album) [1983]
• Robbie Nevil - Co-wrote track later covered by Nevil ('C'est La Vie' on Bodacious! (1984)) [1984]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia