BET.com--Singer Vesta Williams has been found dead in a hotel room in Los Angeles, according to a U.S. report.
The body of the 48-year-old R&B star, who enjoyed a string of hits throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, was reportedly discovered on Thursday, according to GossipCop.com.
No more details were available at press time, but a number of stars have already flooded Twitter.com to pay tribute to the Congratulations hitmaker.
Model/fashion designer Kimora Lee Simmons writes, “What tremendous talent, great soul! ‘Cuz (sic) as long as I can breathe, you’ll always be the one for me!’”, and actress Sheryl Lee Ralph adds, “I am so deeply saddened at the passing of my diva friend Vesta Williams. RIP Vesta.”
R&B star Shanice also ‘Tweeted’ her reaction to the news, writing, “My friend Vesta died… I can’t believe this… RIP.”
The Ohio-born Williams rose to fame in the 1980s with a number of hits and had a multi-faceted career, but was best known for her 1988 album “Vesta 4U.” The album produced multiple hits, including “Congratulations,” “Sweet, Sweet Love,” and “Once Bitten Twice Shy.” She released seven albums throughout her career and her last record, Distant Lover, hit shelves in 2007.
Throughout the years the singer, who often just went by her first name, was involved in collaborations with musicians like Chaka Kahn, Anita Baker, Sting, Gladys Knight and Jermaine Jackson. She lent her voice to jingles for Baskin Robbins, Diet Coke, Revlon, Nike/Air Jordan and Exxon, and was a radio personality for a station in Dallas Ft. Worth.
Williams had several acting roles. She played the recurring role of Monica, Jackie Harry’s best friend, on the hit show “Sister, Sister,” and played saloon singer Vera in Mario Van Peebles 1993 film “Posse.” In addition to her role in “Posse,” Williams wrote and performed two songs—”Ride For Your Life” and “Tell Me"—for the film.
According to her website she was currently in the studio working on material for her next project.
Posted By: Siebra Muhammad
Friday, September 23rd 2011 at 12:05PM
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