R&B legend Andre Williams has died

The singer, who started his career in America in the 1950s, has died aged 82

Andre Williams has passed away at the age of 82.

The rhythm ‘n’ blues legend died in Chicago on Sunday (March 17), according to a statement from his label Pravda Records.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of legendary artist Andre Williams,” a Facebook post from the Chicago-based label read. “He died this afternoon in Chicago at the age of 82. He touched our lives and the lives of countless others. We love you Dre.”

Williams was perhaps best known for songs including ‘Bacon Fat’ (1956), ‘Jail Bait’ (1957), ‘Cadillac Jack’ (1966) and the R&B classic, ‘Shake a Tail Feather’ (1963), the latter of which was co-written with Otha Hayes and Verlie Rice.

The artist was signed to Motown and Chess Records during his career, and released his last album, ‘Don’t Ever Give Up’ via Pravda in 2016.

Tributes have begun to pour in for the late musician.

Twitter user Marko DeSantis wrote: “Sad to see Andre Williams go. An early R&B/Rocknroll legend; all but forgotten until he was brought back to life in the 90s by garage rockers like Jon Spencer, Mick Collins, etc I was honored to book him to play in my hometown once.”

Munster Records tweeted: “Very sad to know of the passing of Andre Williams. An absolute legend, it was an honor and a privilege to work with him. #ripandrewilliams“, while Matt Sweeney wrote: “Andre Williams brought lascivious joy to this world- a live Big Bad Wolf cartoon. One of the baddest stylists of the 20th Century. No jam grinds as hard as ‘Bacon Fat'”.