Tragic news. R&B singer Vesta Williams has died. Reports say the 80s singer-songwriter was discovered in a Los Angeles hotel room. There are few details and the cause of death is unknown.
Vesta is most known for her song "Congratulations," a song about a woman who discovers her former lover is about to get married. The ballad became a staple at talent and drag shows in the 90s.
Vesta became one of the first high-profile casualties of the music video era. The singer struggled with her weight, her appearance was limited in later music videos and she eventually lost her recording contract. The Huffington Post adds:
[Williams] told Ebony that she began gaining weight rapidly after her singing career started to falter. Vesta, who was 5-foot-3, eventually reached a size 26. "When I lost my record deal and my phone wasn't ringing, I realized that I had to reassess who Vesta was and figure out what was going wrong," she said. "I knew it wasn't my singing ability. So it had to be that I was expendable because I didn't have the right look."
The singer went on to lose 100 lbs, and got down down to a size 6, while finding something of a second career as a songwriter and session singer.
Published reports say Williams was 48 years old, but the singer can be seen in a 2010 interview saying she was 53.
Vesta's signature song was "Congratulations" but my favorites were "Sweet, Sweet Love" and "Once Bitten, Twice Shy." So many memories. Watch and listen AFTER THE JUMP ...
God loves us so much!!!
See this is just like they say about 3's earlier this week it was (mostly)white America stunned over Kara Kennedy now this news about Vesta.....two remarkable women welcomed.
Peace To You ALL
Posted by: DivaRossIsHere_SoSomber | 23 September 2011 at 11:01
Im truly shocked, i was just watching Vesta's video for 'Special' last week..To an beautiful singer who be missed, RIP VESTA.
Posted by: PAUL561 | 23 September 2011 at 11:12
This is such a stunning loss.
Vesta was a friend and such a joy to my soul. We got to spend several hours one night in a hotel room in King of Prussia, PA, where we laughed, cried and fell out in the floor. SHE WAS SUCH A JOY!
I will miss her. Beyond words.
Posted by: TheRevKev | 23 September 2011 at 11:56
I grew up listening to Vesta. This is so sad. Rest In Peace Vesta.
Posted by: Zambos27 | 23 September 2011 at 11:57
This is so sad. She was a true talent.
Posted by: kevjack | 23 September 2011 at 12:09
Another real talent gone but never forgotten. Vesta's music and voice will play on and on. Time to take Adele's "I make music for the ears, not the eyes," to heart music executives and fans. RIP!
Posted by: kirk | 23 September 2011 at 12:42
Yeah, so many memories of my late teens and early 20's came rushing back with this...esp. my best friend Jeff who would sing "Congratulations" all in the streets of DC.
RIP, Vesta
Posted by: Chitown Kev | 23 September 2011 at 20:18
RIP. Very sad. I love her song "Special".
Posted by: fff | 24 September 2011 at 09:29
I am saddened beyond words. Not only was Vesta a powerhouse, 'blow the roof off of the church' singer, but she appeared to be a funny, effervescent and sweet person. Vesta is responsible for providing the soundtrack for so many people and she will be remembered for her music and the love she expressed to through it. RIP Vesta. Thanks for the love.
Posted by: Distant Lover | 24 September 2011 at 20:48
i love her
i will miss her always
she will live forever in my mix!
http://www.youtube.com/user/aliciabanks?feature=mhum
Posted by: alicia banks | 25 September 2011 at 03:46