Remembering R & B Singer Vesta Williams

September 23rd, 2011 - By Demetria Irwin

R & B singer Vesta Williams, perhaps best known for her 1989 hit “Congratulations,” was found dead yesterday at age 48 in a Los Angeles hotel room, according to reports. Her powerful four octave range will be sorely missed on today’s radio airwaves.  She scored several Top 20 hits on the Billboard R & B charts in the 80s and 90s and gained rave reviews for her jazz- tinged cover of SWV’s “Rain.” Vesta’s last album was put out through Shanachie Records in 2007.

The cause of death is unknown at this time.

Celeb Condolences on Twitter:

“R.I.P. Ms. Vesta Williams. Wht a tremendous talent+great soul! ‘Cuz as long as I can breathe, you’ll always be the one~for me!’”
- Kimora Lee Simmons

“So sorry 2hear Vesta Williams (@Vesta4U)passed. ‘My soul shakes~My heart breaks…’ #RIP”
- Sherrie Shepherd

“…just received truly devastating news: R&B great, and my friend of many yrs, Vesta Williams (@vesta4u), has passed away. #RIPVesta
- Jackee Harry

“Our dear sister and one of the sangiest diva’s ever ,vesta williams, has passed away. I loved that sister.”
-Sinbad

“I am so deeply saddend at the passing of my diva friend Vesta Williams. RIP Vesta”
-Sheryl Lee Ralph

 

 

 

More than just a vocal talent, Vesta was also a fashion forward woman with big bouncy hair, quirky accessories and grown-woman confidence.  Starting out as a more full-figured lady (she later underwent a dramatic weight loss), she proved that no matter what size you are, you can exude style, class and diva-tude.

Check out this gallery of some of Vesta’s looks over the years.

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  • Carm

    I loved loved her music!! RIP Vesta

  • Kia

    Wow she can SANG!!! I hate the fact that the most talented people of the world are unknown and tend to die that way! I'm mad I have to find out about her this way…smdh. R.I.P. Vesta!

  • http://www.caramelcraze.com Caramel

    My husband was devastated over Vesta's death. He told me about the times that Chaka Khan would lip sync while Vesta would really sing the songs. He made me listen to "Special" for two days straight!

    • rgman1987

      Too funny! Vesta told me stories of stuff that went down. lol
      People say that they hear Vesta’s songs and always think it’s Chaka. I never got that. She was a personal friend of mine for over 24 years. I would just sit and stare down her throat when she was singing trying to figure out where it was all coming from. When she would go into her low register and do stuff with her voice…..OMG!!!!! The ONLY person on earth that could ever sound exactly like Chaka when she wanted to was Vesta. So much that I’m sure it scared the hell outta CK. That’s why Chaka had Vesta backing her up. Vesta I miss ya more than words can say. I love you forever. I guess God needed ya in his Choir. May you Rest in Paradise.

  • Al Clark

    RIP, beautiful song bird. RIP.

    al clark

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001373256291 Beverly Pearson

    "This is a sad day any time we loose a great artist". "She was a special lady who could sing and "Congratulation" was one of her best recording". "Vesta,you will aways be remembered,gone to soon"!!! "R.I.P. Ms Vesta never forgotten"!!!!

  • Earthspirit1

    This is no what I was expecting to hear or see this morning. Ugh, I loved her voice. My favorite songs from her was "Sweet, Sweet Love" and "4U" . R.I.P to one of R&B underrated Diva's. :-(

    • kma81

      you are absolutely correct..she was underrated but had one of the best soulful voices ever! R.I.P.