Died On This Date (September 22, 2011) Vesta Williams / Popular R&B Singer
themusicsover Vesta Williams
December 1, 1957 – September 22, 2011
Vesta Williams was an American R&B singer who achieved a bit of fame during the late ’80s and early ’90s. Born in Ohio, but transplanted to Los Angeles while still a child, Williams was surrounded by music from an early age no doubt thanks to a father who was a disc jockey. After launching her career when she got out of high school, Williams began finding work as a session singer – working with the likes of Joe Sample, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills. That lead to a contract with A&M Records and the release of her debut, Vesta, in 1986. Over the next several years, Williams scored hits with records like “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” “Sweet, Sweet Love,” and “Congratulations.” Her most recent album release was 2007’s Distant Lover. According to prefixmag, Vesta Williams passed away in a Los Angeles hotel room on September 22, 2011. Cause of death was not immediately released. She was 53.
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Robert Brookins began singing at the tender age of four, and never looked back. After winning a Motown talent search in 1974, he joined a group called Afterbach whose debut was produced by Earth Wind & Fire’s Maurice and Verdine White. Brookin’s vocals were featured on George Duke’s self titled release of 1986. He soon signed to MCA Records for whom he recorded a handful of acclaimed R&B albums. Over his career he worked with the likes of Stephanie Mills, Deniece Williams, the Whispers, Jeffrey Osbourne, and Bobby Brown. Robert Brookins died of a heart attack at the age of 46.
Gerald Levert was a popular R&B singer who, along with his brother, 