Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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WILLIAMS, Maurice, and the Zodiacs

Vocal quartet first known as the Royal Charms: lead singer/songwriter Williams, with Earl Gainey, William Massey, Willie Jones and Norman Wade won a talent contest in Lancaster SC, recorded for Excello in Nashville as the Gladiolas: Williams's 'Little Darlin'' was a top 50 hit '57, taken to no. 2 by the Diamonds. They changed their name to the Excellos, then the Zodiacs '59, re-formed '60 with Williams, Wiley Bennett, Henry Gaston, Albert Hill, Charles Thomas, Little Willie Morrow: the next Williams classic 'Stay' was a no. 1 hit '60 on Herald, covered by the Hollies, the Four Seasons '64, Jackson Browne '78 for more hits. Follow-ups 'I Remember' and 'Come Along' were minor hits.