A legendary gospel music vocalist from Jackson has passed away.
According to Visit Jackson, Huey P. Williams, the Jackson Southernaires’ lead singer, died on Monday at his home in Smithdale, Mississippi.
He was the older brother of Frank Williams, who founded the award-winning Mississippi Mass Choir, as well as Melvin, Doug, and Leonard Williams of the renowned Williams Brothers.
My big brother Huey, in my eyes, was in a league of his own,” said Doug, who is one of his brothers. “He possessed a signature voice that was unmistakably his own. His music ministry touched so many lives in such a positive way over the years. He had a big personality, but such a humble spirit. Huey was the epitome of a people’s person, a man who loved everybody and never met a stranger. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. That’s why so many people from across the country gravitated to him and loved him dearly. His presence will be sorely missed, but his undeniable legacy will live on forever.”
In 1992, the Jackson Southernaires received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Traditional Gospel Album for their album Thank You Mama for Praying for Me. The gospel quartet also received their first Stellar Award in 1989, and the Gospel Music Workshop of America honored them Traditional Male Quartet of the Year in 1987, 1988, and 1989, respectively.
Many of the group’s songs, including All God’s Children and Down Home (1975), Legendary Gentlemen (1979), and Lord We Need Your Blessing (1985), reached the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. T
They’ve been named one of Billboard’s Top Ten Gospel/Soul Artists for numerous years running.
A musical celebration will take place on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Fernwood MB Church, followed by a celebration of life on Saturday, March 29, at 1 p.m., with viewing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
