Maurice Williams, Iconic Rock and Roll Pioneer, Passes Away at 86

Maurice Williams, the creative force behind the early rock and roll classic "Stay," has died at the age of 86. The song, which holds the record for the shortest track to reach No. 1 on the US pop charts at just 1 minute and 36 seconds, is celebrated for its unique blend of falsetto vocals, Latin rhythms, and doo-wop influences. Originally released in 1960, "Stay" not only became a hit for Williams and his group, the Zodiacs, but also inspired numerous covers, including a notable version by The Hollies in 1963. Williams penned "Stay" during his teenage years, motivated by his desire to convince his high-school sweetheart, Mary Shropshire, to defy her curfew. His musical journey began in Lancaster, South Carolina, where he sang in church and took piano lessons from his sister. Alongside a friend, he formed the Junior Harmonizers, which eventually evolved into the Gladiolas. After a name change prompted by a record label dispute, they became Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs. The song gained renewed popularity in 1987 when it was featured in the film "Dirty Dancing," leading to a massive soundtrack success that sold 32 million copies worldwide. Throughout his career, Williams maintained a rigorous performance schedule, playing around 200 shows annually while also managing his own record label and contributing musically to his local church in Charlotte, North Carolina. His legacy endures as a significant figure in the evolution of rock and roll.