The legacy of 'Stay' and Maurice Williams
On August 6th, 2024, Maurice Williams passed away at 86 years old. While many may not know his name, Williams was one of the most important contributors to doo-wop and R&B in the 1950s and 1960s. Two of his compositions became era-defining hits, "Little Darlin'" (1957) and "Stay" (1960).
Williams is immortalized by "Stay", which was the shortest No. 1 hit ever on the Billboard Hot 100, according to the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
Even more remarkably, "Stay" has remained relevant to multiple different generations through covers and soundtrack appearances.
The history Maurice Williams's timeless hit "Stay"
"Stay" has stood the test of time
The million-selling record reached the top of the charts in November 1960, nearly sixty-five years ago. What is unique about the legacy of "Stay" is the song only grew more popular with hit covers. The Hollies released their version in 1963, and it was included on their first album. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, the inspiration behind Jersey Boys, covered "Stay" also in 1963, and their take reached the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100.
1970s singer/songwriter Jackson Browne introduced Williams's hit to a completely new generation, seventeen years after its initial release. Browne's "Stay" would rise to the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. Andrew Gold would also record "Stay" for his 1976 album, "What's Wrong With This Picture?"
In 1995, Dreamhouse contributed a reggae version of "Stay" to the UK music scene. Their debut album, which featured "Stay", was first released in the US in 1998. 1980s pop superstar Cyndi Lauper recorded her version of "Stay" in 2003 and it was featured on her album, "At Last."
"Stay" would not only be a hit with teenagers in the 1960s, but also in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Considering the incredible history of "Stay," it would not be surprising if a future cover brings the song back to the limelight.
The influence of Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing is one of the most iconic films of the 1980s. Premiering in 1987, the timeless film became a pop culture phenomenon. Starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, the movie is well known for its catchy soundtrack. Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs's version of "Stay" was included, bringing the original 1960 track back into the public eye twenty-seven years later.
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Williams's other hits
While "Stay" is frequently regarded as Maurice Williams's masterpiece, it was "Little Darlin'" that brought him to fame. Williams's version would reach the Top 15 on the Billboard R&B charts in April 1957, when he was only a teenager. The Diamonds mainstreamed the song later in 1957, charting at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Williams would enjoy a third million-selling single, "May I", in 1961, according to the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.
If one were to create a list of 1950s and 1960s standards, "Little Darlin'" and "Stay" would certainly be on it. This is the legacy of Maurice Williams, a name that shouldn't be forgotten.
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