While attending Morgan State University in the hopes of becoming a registered nurse and anesthetist, Williams performed at a Baltimore club, Casino Royal. She gave up her academic aspirations and pursued a musical career. In the 1970's, Williams became a backup singer for Stevie Wonder. In 1975, Deniece signed a recording contract with Columbia Records, teaming up with producers Maurice White (of Earth, Wind & Fire) and Charles Stepney.
Williams' debut album This Is Niecy in 1976 contained the single "Free", which was #25 overall and #2 on the Black Singles chart in the United States and #1 in the U.K.
Williams paired with Johnny Mathis for the duet "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late", which was an across-the-board smash, hitting #1 on the Adult Contemporary, Hot 100 and Black Singles charts.
"Silly" reached the Top 10 on the R&B Chart in 1981.
Producer Thom Bell helped Williams reach #1 on the R&B chart and #10 overall with "It's Gonna' Take A Miracle".
In 1984, Williams released the album Let's Hear It for the Boy, with the title song becoming a #1 smash that was featured in the movie Footloose. Her four-octave voice is on full display.
"Let's Hear It For The Boy" turned out to be the final big hit in Williams' career. She joined with friends Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, Billy Davis and Marilyn McCoo to present a gospel show at the popular Los Angeles club The Roxy. After that, both Bailey and Williams decided to pursue careers in Christian music.
"Let's Hear It For The Boy" turned out to be the final big hit in Williams' career. She joined with friends Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, Billy Davis and Marilyn McCoo to present a gospel show at the popular Los Angeles club The Roxy. After that, both Bailey and Williams decided to pursue careers in Christian music.
Williams recorded the song "They Say" with Christian artist Sandi Patti and won a Grammy for it. Williams also won a Grammy that same year for Best Female Soul Gospel Performance with her song "I Surrender All", then repeated the award the following year with the song "I Believe In You".
From 1996-2004, Williams had her own BBC radio show in the U.K., featuring new gospel and inspirational music. In 1999, her album This Is My Song won her another Grammy for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.
From 1996-2004, Williams had her own BBC radio show in the U.K., featuring new gospel and inspirational music. In 1999, her album This Is My Song won her another Grammy for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album.
Williams scored four hits in her career, but two of them, "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late" and "Let's Hear It For The Boy", went #1.
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