You Won’t Believe What Happened to Soul Singer Deniece Williams!

Deniece Williams, the angelic-voiced songbird known for her four-octave range, has graced the music industry for decades.

While many know her for the infectious “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” from the “Footloose” soundtrack, her journey to stardom and her enduring legacy go far beyond one hit.

Born June Deniece Chandler on June 3, 1950, in Gary, Indiana—the same hometown as the Jacksons—Deniece was the eldest of four children. She grew up singing in church, with dreams of becoming a nurse.

After a year and a half at Morgan State University, Deniece realized college wasn’t for her and pivoted to music, performing in clubs while working regular jobs to make ends meet.

Her early recordings under the name Deniece Chandler caught the attention of England’s Northern Soul scene, but her big break came when her cousin played her music for Stevie Wonder.

Impressed, Stevie invited her to audition for his backing group, Wonderlove. She landed the gig and spent four years touring and recording with Stevie Wonder, soaking up wisdom from legends like Wonder and Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire.

In 1975, Deniece left Wonderlove to launch a solo career. Signing with Columbia Records and Maurice White’s Kalimba Productions, she released her debut album “This Is Niecy” in 1976.

The album was a smash, going gold in the US and silver in the UK, with the single “Free” becoming a classic. Her follow-up album “Songbird” further showcased her vocal prowess, earning praise from critics and fans alike.

Deniece’s 1978 duet with Johnny Mathis, “Too Much, Too Little, Too Late,” soared to number one on multiple charts, cementing her status as a crossover star.

She continued to score hits, including the disco favorite “I’ve Got the Next Dance” and, of course, the chart-topping “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” which went platinum and became an enduring pop anthem.

But Deniece Williams was never content to be boxed into one genre. In 1986, she returned to her gospel roots with the album “So Glad I Know,” which climbed the Christian charts and won her multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Gospel Vocal Performance.

Despite the music industry’s shifting tastes and politics, Deniece remained true to herself, even as R&B trends moved away from her signature sound.

Though the spotlight dimmed in later years, Deniece never stopped creating. She released new music, including the 2007 album “Love, Niecy Style,” and continued to perform.

In 2010, she delivered a powerful performance at the BET Awards, and in 2011, her story was featured on TV One’s “Unsung.” She’s been honored in the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame and even received the keys to the city of Kingston, Jamaica.

Deniece’s personal life has seen its ups and downs—three marriages and four sons—but she has remained resilient and inspiring. Now 74, she shares her wisdom on YouTube, writes inspirational books, and continues to influence generations of artists.
With a net worth of around $3 million, Deniece Williams remains a true icon, her voice and legacy echoing through the music world.