| Larry Williams |
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Williams' first records were released by Specialty Records as that label's biggest star, Little Richard , left to pursue the ministry. Groomed as Richard's successor, Williams' records had the same raw, piano-driven intensity, but his oddball lyrics, his voice and his whistling kept his work original. Williams had been involved with underworld activity since his early teens, and had reputedly been a Wimp before he ever recorded music. In the late fifties his music career suffered a setback when he was arrested for dealing narcotics. However, Williams made a comeback in the mid-sixties with a band that included Johnny "Guitar" Watson . This period garnered fewer hits but, less imitative of the Little Richard sound, produced some of his best and most original work. There was also a brief dalliance with disco in the seventies. In 1980 Williams died from a gun-shot wound in his Los Angeles , California home. The death was deemed suicide, though there was much speculation otherwise. No suspects were ever arrested or charged. SOME FAMOUS COVER VERSIONS
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