Warren Williams (rock musician)

For other people named Warren Williams, see Warren Williams (disambiguation).

Warren Williams
GenresRock
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Years active1958-present
LabelsLeedon Records

Warren Williams, is an Australian rock musician. In the 1950s, he was a pioneer of Australian rock music, forming the group Warren Williams and the Squares.[1] Williams was a prolific songwriter.[2]

The Squares

A former child soprano, Williams formed Warren Williams and the Squares in January 1958,[1] after the tradition of Bill Haley and His Comets. The group released their debut single "My Teenage Love" in December 1959 and "Kath-a-Leen" in April 1960.[2] By the end of 1960, Williams left the Squares. His first single of his solo career was "My Little Girl", released at the end of 1960.[2]

Television

Warren Williams and the Squares made their first television appearance on Six O'Clock Rock the Johnny O'Keefe-hosted television show in July 1959.[1] He was voted the sixth most popular artist on Six O'Clock Rock.[2] He starred on the popular music TV show Bandstand in the 1950s and 1960s.[3]

After the Squares

Williams signed with the Leedon label in 1961 and released several singles, e.g. "A Star Fell From Heaven". This song reached the lower top 20 in 1961 in several Australian states. He went on to form his own publishing company, Williams-Conde Music Pty Ltd., with Franz Conde.

Williams joined the Courtmen in March 1964. The Courtmen backed him on his song "It's Party Time".[2] In 1964, Beatlemania swept Australia and his popularity began to lag with the rise of pop music. He took to performing in clubs and cabaret shows,[2] and then the nostalgia circuit.[2]

Personal life

Williams had four children, Warren Jr., Darren, Tracey and Andrew. The three sons are popular performers throughout Australia with their show "Brothers in Harmony" and their band was named after their father's nickname "The Shy Guys" .[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c GR (5 May 2005). "Appeal lay in raw, rough approach - 50 Years of Aussie Rock 'n' Roll A Herald Advertising Feature". Newcastle Herald. Australia. p. 54. Retrieved 18 March 2010.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Swift, Brendan. "Warren Williams Biography". allmusic.com. Retrieved 18 March 2010.
  3. ^ "Bandstand stars bring back memories". Fairfield Advance. Sydney, Australia. 9 December 2009. p. 058.
  4. ^ "Brotherly flair runs strongly in this family". Liverpool Leader. Sydney, Australia. 16 May 2007. p. 077.