Singer/Producer Norwood Young, a close friend of the late Vesta Williams, recently released a statement addressing some reports surrounding the soul singer’s death, including speculation of a suicide.
Williams was found dead on September 22nd in her Los Angeles hotel, her temporary living domain while transitioning to a new home, according to Young.
“The manager of the hotel, Mr. Seth Neblett, also a friend of Ms. Williams, discovered her body,” Young says in his statement. “Mr. Neblett confirms that authorities stated that one bottle (2/3 empty) of a sleeping aid was discovered on the scene on the nightstand next to the bed.”
The sleeping aid created speculations of a suicide but Young tells Eurweb.com that Vesta had a zest for life and her Christian values were too strong, and she was too excited about her upcoming “Unsung” special and participation in Sheryl Lee Ralph’s “Divas Simply Singing” event to benefit AIDS charities.
Young adds: “Two years ago, I witnessed Vesta experiencing a debilitating seizure, and this would be a likely scenario, and I wish people would stop fabricating and spreading hurtful rumors.”
Funeral services for Vesta Williams will be held at West Angeles Church of God in Christ (3045 S. Crenshaw Blvd., North Campus, Los Angeles) on Tuesday, Oct. 4.
It’s been a week since the tragic death of R&B singer Vesta Williams, and her fans are still reeling from the loss. Now producer Norwood Young is speaking out about his friend’s untimely death and revealing details about her funeral arrangements. Read on to find out what he had to say in this update on Vesta Williams’ passing.
The world was shocked last Thursday when news spread that beloved R&B singer Vesta Williams had died suddenly at the age of 53. Her family has issued an official statement regarding their heartbreaking loss but little else has been shared until now. Producer Norwood Young, who worked with Williams for over 25 years, has come forward to give us more insight into her death and provide information about her upcoming funeral service.
Young took to social media yesterday morning to share his thoughts on his dear friend’s passing and express his gratitude for all she meant to him during their long friendship and musical partnership. He also provided some important details about the funeral services being held in honor of Williams’ life, giving those wishing to pay their respects one final opportunity to do so before she is laid to rest.
Background On Norwood Young
Norwood Young is an accomplished music producer, songwriter and former A&R executive. He has worked with a variety of artists, including Boys II Men, Mary J. Blige and Vesta Williams. In addition to his musical career, he also served as the National Director of A&R for Blackground Records in 2009.
Recently, Young spoke out about the unexpected death of singer-songwriter Vesta Williams last week at 53 years old. As one of her close friends and collaborators throughout the years, Norwood was deeply affected by this tragic news. While speaking on behalf of himself and those who knew Vesta best, he expressed his sadness over losing such a talented individual that had been part of many people’s lives for so long.
Young also shared details about upcoming funeral arrangements for Vesta Williams which are set to take place later this week in Los Angeles. The service will be open to family members only but according to him it will be live streamed online so fans from all around can pay their respects to “The Voice”.
Tributes To Vesta Williams
Since the news of Vesta’s passing, many people have come forward to share their condolences and pay tribute to her. From friends in the music industry such as Chaka Khan and Stevie Wonder, to fans across the world who were touched by her music, everyone has expressed how Vesta was a light that shone brightly throughout her career.
Even those who did not know Williams personally recognize what an immense talent she was and mourn this great loss for the music community. In particular, several of her former collaborators spoke highly of her ability to make any song sound amazing with just her incredible vocal range. These tributes are a reminder of why Vesta is still remembered fondly today and will be missed dearly.
It’s clear that while we won’t get to hear new work from Vesta in the future, she left behind a beautiful body of work that will live on forever. Her powerful voice combined with her heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate deeply with listeners even after all these years. She may no longer be here but it’s certain that Vesta Williams’ legacy will never be forgotten.
Conclusion
I. Summary of Norwood Young’s career
Norwood Young has been a major part of the music industry for over 30 years, producing and writing songs for some of the most renowned artists in R&B and soul music. As an influential producer, he had a close relationship with Vesta Williams, making her death all the more painful to him.
II. Tributes To Vesta Williams
Norwood paid his respects to Vesta through social media tributes as well as attending her funeral services in person. He explained that his heart was heavy and that he would miss her deeply but shared fond memories of their time together working on various projects throughout her illustrious career.
III. Conclusion
The passing of Vesta Williams has left many people feeling sorrowful, including Norwood Young who held such admiration for her talent. It is clear from his heartfelt words about her that she will remain an inspiration to many aspiring musicians long after her death, leaving behind a lasting legacy within the world of music production and songwriting.
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