TONY WILLIAMS, LEAD SINGER OF THE PLATTERS, DIES

correction

The photograph that accompanied yesterday's obituary of Tony Williams, the original lead singer of the Platters, was not a picture of the singer. (Published 8/16/92)

Tony Williams, the original lead singer of the Platters whose renditions of "Only You" and "The Great Pretender" propelled the R&B group to stardom in the 1950s, died yesterday at age 64.

Mr. Williams died at home in New York, said his wife, Helen. She said he had diabetes but had no other known health problems.

A native of Elizabeth, N.J., Mr. Williams was working as a parking lot attendant in Los Angeles in 1953 when he was recruited by songwriter Buck Ram to front for a rhythm and blues group, according to the book, Million Selling Records.

The Platters, consisting of Mr. Williams, David Lynch, Herbert Reed, Paul Robi and Zola Taylor, recorded "Only You" in 1955.

Mrs. Williams, 59, said she was a model from New York when she met her future husband in Las Vegas in 1957. She soon replaced Taylor in the group and married Mr. Williams in 1963.

From 1955 until Mr. Williams left the group in 1960, The Platters had four No. 1 hits and 16 gold records. Among them: "My Prayer," "Harbor Lights," "Twilight Time," "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," and their biggest seller, "The Great Pretender."

The group continued to perform without Mr. Williams, while he pursued a solo career.

Taylor, who lives in Los Angeles, and Reed are the only other surviving members of the group, Mrs. Williams said.

Williams is survived by his wife, a son, four sisters and a brother.