Maurice Williams, Famed for 1960 Hit ‘Stay,’ Dies at 86

Maurice Williams (front, center) and the Zodiacs in 1960.

Maurice Williams, the legendary lead singer of Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the age of 86. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame announced his death but did not disclose a cause.

He was a legend of the Golden Age of Soul Music. Tonight we say a sad goodbye to the great Maurice Williams, who took over the charts with the classic "Stay" https://t.co/ggAQPrtLt1 pic.twitter.com/RTfymM19vL

— soultracks (@soultrackscom) August 7, 2024

Williams was born in Lancaster, South Carolina, and his passion for music emerged early in life. While still in high school, he formed his first group, The Royal Charms. By 1957, Williams and his band, now known as The Gladiolas, had achieved their first major hit with "Little Darlin’," a song that Williams both wrote and recorded. The track climbed to No. 11 on the Billboard R&B Chart and later became a major hit when it was re-recorded by The Diamonds.

In 1959, Williams rebranded the group as Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, setting the stage for their most iconic success. The following year, the group released "Stay," a song that made history as the shortest No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, clocking in at just 1 minute and 32 seconds. The song regained widespread popularity decades later when it was featured in the 1987 film Dirty Dancing.

Williams' success continued with the 1961 hit "May I," which became his third million-selling single. His contributions to music were recognized with his induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2007 and the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2010.

In an interview with ClassicBands.com, Williams recalled the creation of "Stay," a song he almost discarded. "It took me about 30 minutes to write ‘Stay,’ then I threw it away," Williams said. "We were looking for songs to record as Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs. I was over at my girlfriend’s house playing the tape of songs I had written when her little sister said, ‘Please do the song with the high voice in it.’ I knew she meant ‘Stay.’ She was about 12 years old and I said to myself, ‘She’s the age of record buying,’ and the rest is history. I thank God for her."

Williams and the Zodiacs continued to record and tour well into the 2000s, solidifying their place in the annals of rock and R&B history.

Williams is survived by his wife, Emily, who was by his side throughout his storied career.

Southern Rap Icon BeatKing Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy of Club Anthems

Photo Credit: Instagram/clubgodzilla

Houston rapper and producer Justin Riley, widely known by his stage names BeatKing and Club Godzilla, has died at the age of 39.

The news of his death was confirmed by his manager, Tasha Felder, in an Instagram post on Thursday. The cause of his death has not been released.

Felder’s post, which quickly garnered attention from fans and fellow artists alike, celebrated BeatKing's influence on the music scene and his deep love for his family.

"Today, Aug. 15, we have lost @Clubgodzilla," Felder wrote. "BeatKing has been the best part of the club for over a decade. He has produced and worked with so many artists that his sound will forever live. He loved his daughters @clubgodparenting, his music and his fans. We will love him forever."

BeatKing's sudden passing has left a significant void in the Southern rap community, where he was known not only for his music but for his larger-than-life persona and contributions to the Houston music scene. Born and raised in Houston, BeatKing's journey into music began in the church, where he played alongside his mother. This foundation in music led him to launch his career in 2010 with his debut mixtape "Kings of the Club," a project that quickly established him as a major player in the city's vibrant hip-hop landscape.

Over the years, BeatKing earned a reputation as a prolific artist, producing and collaborating with a wide range of musicians both within Texas and nationally. His music was a staple in Texas clubs and college parties throughout the 2010s, cementing his status as a transformative figure in Southern rap.

BeatKing's breakthrough moment on the national stage came in 2020 with the viral success of his hit single "Then Leave," a track that exploded on TikTok and introduced his unique sound to an international audience. The song, characterized by its catchy hook and infectious beat, became a defining anthem of that year, amassing millions of streams and solidifying BeatKing's place in the pantheon of viral hits.

In addition to "Then Leave," BeatKing's discography is filled with club anthems and collaborations with some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Tracks like "SDAB," featuring 2 Chainz and Juicy J, and "Keep It Poppin" with Ludacris and Queendom Come, further showcased his versatility and knack for creating music that resonated with a broad audience.

BeatKing's influence extended beyond his music. He was deeply embedded in the Houston rap scene, working with local legends like Bun B, Paul Wall, Lil Keke, Chamillionaire, DJ Chose, and Dorrough Music. His collaborations with artists like 2 Chainz, Daz Dillinger, and Juicy J further underscored his ability to bridge the gap between local success and national recognition.

Following his death, tributes poured in from across the music industry. Juicy J, a member of Three 6 Mafia and one of BeatKing's frequent collaborators, expressed his sorrow in a heartfelt post: "R.I.P. BEATKING damn this one hurt."

Despite his sudden passing, BeatKing's legacy as a trailblazer in Southern rap is firmly established. His music, characterized by its energy and authenticity, will continue to resonate with fans old and new. BeatKing's recent work, including projects like "She Won't Leave Houston" in 2023 and two albums in 2024 — "Get Money, B****" and "Never Leave Houston On A Sunday" — demonstrated his continued relevance and creativity in an ever-evolving industry.

BeatKing is survived by his two daughters, who were a central part of his life and his inspiration.

Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla Bond Over Southern Roots, Beyoncé Love

Photo Credit: YouTube

In a lively new episode of the "Close Friends Only with Instagram" podcast, rap superstars Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla pulled back the curtain on their budding friendship, shared Southern roots, and unabashed admiration for Queen Bey herself.

The two artists, who recently collaborated on the hit "Wanna Be" and are currently on a joint tour, candidly discussed their first meeting, revealing initial shyness from GloRilla and playful teasing from Megan Thee Stallion about her "standoff-ish" demeanor.

"I ain’t gonna lie, I was kind of shy," GloRilla admitted.

Megan Thee Stallion, in her signature playful style, retorted, "You definitely was acting scary."

But any initial reservations quickly melted away. "The first time we was at the studio when we was recording both our songs... I just felt like you was very easy to talk to," GloRilla recalled.

The pair also shared hilarious anecdotes from their tour, including Megan Thee Stallion's confession about struggling to twerk in high heels. "B****, I be finna fall," she laughed.

Both artists expressed pride in their Southern heritage and their trailblazing roles as successful female rappers from the region. They also bonded over their shared love for Beyoncé, with Megan Thee Stallion declaring, "You cannot talk ill about Beyoncé in front of me, because b**** you might not make it out."

The conversation took a lighthearted turn as they delved into their Instagram habits, particularly the strategic use of the "Close Friends" feature to catch the eye of potential love interests.

"See, that's why I’m thinking I do on God," GloRilla said, "like 'cause you know, I might like a little picture or whatever. Then you go like my a** back. Okay. Let me add you to the close friends. So you see what's going on here."

Megan Thee Stallion agreed, adding, "And then if you like it, I know what's up. Cause now this was for you to see."

The interview ended with the two playfully pleading with Beyoncé to add them to her own Close Friends list. "We ain't gonna tell!" they promised.

Watch the entire episode below.