PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philly jazz contralto Pearl Williams, known for “singing her butt off,” has died at 87 after battling a long illness, according to her family.
Williams, the youngest of five, grew up along 48th Street and Fairmount Avenue and spent her youth singing for the choir at Pinn Memorial Baptist Church.
She eventually began performing on stage with jazz greats like Elmer Gibson, Al Grey and McCoy Tyner, who played with John Coltrane — a mere glimpse into her 60-year career.
Jazz drummer Toni Kippon, a friend of Williams, said it wasn’t just her voice that kept her in such legendary circles, it was also her talent for song selections.
“Pearl could sing and her range was so vast,” Kippon said.
Kippon says Williams made an indelible impression on jazz and she will be missed.
“Her essence as a musician and vocalist is still here and always will be,” Kippon said.
Kim Tucker, another close friend of Williams, described her as a brilliant, self-taught musician.
“She’s singing up there now in that heavenly choir and I really hope they understand the kind of person that they’re getting in Pearl Williams. God bless her,” Tucker said.
Williams died on Dec. 9, a memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Monday, Dec. 30, at 11 a.m. at Pinn Memorial Baptist Church.