William Powell

American R&B and soul singer, (born January 20, 1942, died May 26, 1977). Will was a founding member of the Canton, Ohio-based musical group "The O'Jays". He was called "Will" by his fellow members. He was the high tenor of the group. Along with Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, Bill Isles and Bobby Massey the group formed in the summer of 1958 as The Triumphs. Two years later they became the Mascots. In 1961, they released their debut single "Miracles". In 1963 in tribute to a Cleveland, Ohio radio disc jockey Eddie O'Jay they took on the name O'Jays Boys and then The O'Jays. They had their first hit "Lonely Drifter" that same year. With Bill Isles and Bobby Massey leaving the group, they were now a trio who joined songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Philadelphia International Records. During the l970's they recorded a string of hits; "Back Stabbers", "Love Train", "For the Love of Money", "Give the People What They Want", "I Love Music," and many others. In 1975, William was suffering from drug addiction and from advanced colon cancer and had to stop touring with the The O'Jays. He died in Canton two years later and was replaced by Sam Strain, a former member of Little Anthony & The Imperials. Do not confuse with jazz guitarist, bassist and songwriter Doc Powell.