b. Sondra Williams, 21st May 1944, Oakland, California, U.S.A.
Sondra ‘Blinky’ Williams is a singer, songwriter & pianist from California.
She is best known for her collaborations with the artists Edwin Starr, Andraé Crouch and Ashford & Simpson.
She is also known for her lead vocals on the theme for the 1970’s TV series, ‘Good Times’.
Born in Oakland, California, ‘Blinky’ is the daughter of a pastor, singing in her local church since the age of 6.
As Sondra Williams she recorded the album ‘Hark The Voice’ (on Atlantic Records) in 1967.
After signing to Motown Records (under the name ‘Blinky’) she recorded five singles including her debut, the Ashford & Simpson penned single ‘I Wouldn't Change The Man He Is’ b/w ‘I'll Always Love You’ in 1968.
The following year, she recorded the single ‘Oh How Happy’ b/w ‘Ooh Baby Baby’ with the fellow artist Edwin Starr.
just we too - 1969
An album followed entitled ‘Just We Two’ later that year.
Following poor promotion for the album, she became Sammy Davis Jnr’s understudy at the imprint, however he same fete fell to that particular venture.
She continued her series of single releases, including 1972’s ‘Money (That's What I Want) b/w ‘For Your Precious Love’, 1973’s ’T’Ain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do’ b/w ‘What More Can I Do’ and ‘You Get A Tangle In Your Lifeline’ b/w ‘This Man Of Mine’ and 1974’s ‘Walk With Me Jesus’ b/w ‘When Love Calls Your Name’ (this time for the Reprise imprint).
Blinky is also credited as the vocalist for the theme tune of the TV series, ‘Good Times’, along with Jim Gilstrap.
Her version of ‘God Bless The Child’ appears on the album ‘The Key To The Kingdom’.
Blinky’s recording of ’T’ain't Nobody's Biz-ness if I Do’ features on the soundtrack of ‘Lady Sings The Blues’, (featuring Diana Ross).
Her back catalogue remained unreleased until 2019, when Real Gone Music released a fine double CD compilation of tracks from the Motown vaults, entitled ‘Heart Full Of Soul’.
Blinky was one of the original COGIC Singers, with Andraé Crouch, Sandra Crouch, Billy Preston, Edna Wright (lead singer of The Honey Cone), Frankie Karl, and Gloria Jones.
Blinky returned to Gospel music under original name of Sondra Williams.
Albums:
Hark The Voice (Atlantic Records 1967)
Just We Too (Gordy Records 1969)
