William Powell
January 20, 1942 – May 26, 1977
As one of the founding members of the O’Jays, William Powell helped create a sound that would entertain and inspire countless fans and ultimately land the group in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. He left the group due to illness in 1975 and died of cancer on May 26, 1977, but not before helping make several hit records.
What You Should Own
I didn’t know what happened to William Powell or why he left the ojays now I know RIP William ps I would like to see their old video clips back when their was 5 members in the ojays back in the 60’please help thank you
Go to you tube. type in Lonely Drifter and Lipstick Traces. These were probably their biggest hits with 5 members. By the late 60’s they down to four.
I would like to see their old 1963 album.
There are only 2 songs that you can see of the O’jays sixties
years called ” girl machine ” and ” lipstick traces ” filmed on
the Shivaree show .You can just saw ” lipstick traces on youtube
site.
I have all of there 60’s music including there “commin through” album.
I have been looking up the Jays for various reasons on iMDB etc. What an awful tragedy, they were absolutely fab, they made such brilliant, brilliant music. I know it’s nearly 34 years on but I was a kid in the 70’s but danced to their music at my youth club here in the UK.
I was just talking to my daughter in Phoenix Az. She was driving past a club in the Phoenix area and the billboard said the O’Jays were playing. She didn’t know who they were nor did I so I looked them up and found this site. So, just so you know, as of 11-4-11 they are still performing.
Walt Williams and Eddie Levert are only 2 of the orginals still performing. (Since 1958)
Thank God for Unsung!!! I jus found out that William Powell died of cancer back in 1977. I was only 9 years old then but I wonder what had happen 2 the handsome light skin guy who sing with the o’jays.
'Memba dis?
I loved Will! Still do.
My mama told me about when she met the O’Jays back in the day and William Powell was still a member of the group. She said that he was a very nice and decent guy. He asked her if she had children and of course she just had me months before : )
I remember going to the Brevoort theater in Brooklyn, NY to see the O’Jays with my mother’s friend when I was a teen. William Powell came forward on the stage and sang part of a song to me. I can’t even remember the song. All I can remember is him being so fine.
William Powell was a very handsome, man and a good singer. Now he is with GOD.
He sure was. Shame he had to go so soon.
RIP Handsome …😘
very gd group I didn't know that one of the guys died..
Me too! I am so obsessed.
Hi,
I grew up in 70’s and early to the mid 80’s listening to the O’jays. They where one of my dad’s favorite groups! So sad about Mr. William Powell dying at only 35. He was a handsome man.