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William Powell was an American R&B and soul singer, born on January 20, 1942, and passed away on May 26, 1977. He was a founding member of the Canton, Ohio-based musical group The O'Jays, where he was affectionately called "Will" by his fellow members and served as the high tenor of the group. The O'Jays originally formed in the summer of 1958 as The Triumphs, later becoming the Mascots in 1960. They released their debut single "Miracles" in 1961 and changed their name to The O'Jays in 1963 in tribute to Cleveland radio disc jockey Eddie O'Jay. The group achieved their first hit with "Lonely Drifter" that same year. After the departure of Bill Isles and Bobby Massey, they became a trio and joined songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff at Philadelphia International Records. Throughout the 1970s, The O'Jays recorded a series of hits, including "Back Stabbers," "Love Train," "For the Love of Money," "Give the People What They Want," and "I Love Music." In 1975, William faced challenges with drug addiction and advanced colon cancer, which forced him to stop touring. He died in Canton two years later and was subsequently replaced by a former member of another group. William Powell should not be confused with the jazz guitarist, bassist, and songwriter of the same name

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