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| Carol Williams |
| Carol Williams was no stranger to the music business when she landed a disco hit in 1976. Carol had already been a part of the East coast girl group, The Geminis, who had scored a minor hit in 1966 with "Get It On Home" Before moving on to a solo career. Carol answered an open audition for female singers for Salsoul Records who was chomping at the bit to find the next Gloria Gaynor for their up-and-coming label. With her years of experience and beguiling voice she won the contract hands down. |
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| Her 1976 Salsoul debut album, "'Lectric Lady," spawned two enormous hits, "Come Back" and a remake of an oft-covered tune "More," the former was co-written by Williams. The cover featured Williams in a "disco-setting" complete with neon lights and mirror balls. The album was a moderate seller and is regarded as a collector's item today. Despite a rousing start with Vincent Montana (as producer) and full backing by the Salsoul Orchestra, Carol was not satisfied. She longed to be more of a song stylist than just a 'disco artist.' She unwisely chose to severe her connections with Montana and Salsoul Records after the release of the album. Ironically her only success has come from the very music she has chosen to flee from. Still the album showcases her vocal prowess on more than just the obvious disco numbers, but it was the club favorites that the fans wanted. |
| Carol's next appearance was on Tony Valor's own TVI label with his orchestra on the classic "Love Has Come My Way" album in 1978. Carol was wise to hitch her star to Valor. Valor was already an established producer with legendary disco tracks by Maryann Farra & Satin Soul and Touch to his credit. Her association with Valor led to an offer for a full album release from Barbara Roy (Ecstasy,Passion & Pain) on her Roy B. label. Oddly enough Carol missed the prime disco era by not releasing this album until 1980. "Reflections Of Carol Williams," was less of a success than her Salsoul endeavor but still enjoyable. The 12" single of "Tell The World" put Carol once again on the club charts. The track actually sounded as if it could have been a left-over from her Salsoul recordings. Because of it's import status and the lack of promotion the album floundered. However it was resurrected in 1994 by Hot Records and reissued on compact disc. In 1981 she released the ballad "One More Time" on Emerald Records, a subsidiary of Atlantic Records. The song went nowhere and she was forced to go back to dance music for another round of success. A move to Vanguard Records proved fruitful. With three 12" single releases she cemented her status (like it or not) as a disco diva. "Can't Get Away (From Your Love)" was a big club hit that had minor crossover effects. The single, "No One Can Do It (Like You)" her first release for her new label, didn't fare as well, even when remixed and re-released. Her third Vanguard single, "You've Reached The Bottom Line," failed to garner the attention of either of her previous releases and she soon parted company with Vanguard. Oddly enough while at Vanguard she chose to pass on producer Darryl Payne's idea to record a song called "Over Like A Fat Rat." The song became an enduring classic for Fonda Rae and fetches huge bucks on Ebay, when available. Just another unwise decision for a talented lady. Carol had one final club hit in the late 1980's with "What's The Deal" on New Image Records before disappearing from the club scene. Carol can still be seen on the occasional disco revival shows and is rumored to be touring often. Her songs still appear on compilations of Salsoul and Vanguard material well into the new millenium. For the enduring disco classics she has given us we "Thank" her.......and we love ya Carol! |
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| UPDATE: I received an e-mail from Michael Harkins of ArenaProductions. Seems Carol is still going strong (bless you!). He has provided us with the pic on the right of a still radiantly beautiful Carol.
Carol Williams Can Be Contacted For Bookings Through Arena Production: Music In Motion Management. (718) 492 - 5226. Or visit their website at: www.arenaproduction.com for more info. |
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