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Iris Williams, the acclaimed Welsh singer, has passed away at the age of 79.
Born in Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf, in 1946, Williams enjoyed an international career, performing extensively in the United States, where she resided at the time of her death.
Early in her career, while working at a glove factory in Llantrisant, Williams received a scholarship to attend the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
Her distinguished career saw her perform for Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Albert Hall in London, as well as for US President Gerald Ford on multiple occasions.
The daughter of an American GI, Williams spent her childhood in a children’s home and with a foster family in Tonyrefail, according to her brother.
Among her notable recordings are “He Was Beautiful” and “Pererin Wyf,” a Welsh-language rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
In the 1960s, Williams gained early exposure on the BBC Wales pop music program “Disc A Dawn,” which led to her own BBC television show.
In 1974, she won Cân i Gymru, the prestigious Welsh-language song competition also known as “A Song for Wales,” with her song “I gael Cymru’n Gymru Rydd,” meaning “For a Free Wales.”
Williams was also among the select group of artists who performed at the opening concert of the National Assembly of Wales in 1999.
Her contributions to music were recognized in 2004 with an OBE, and in 2006 she was admitted to the Gorsedd of Bards at the National Eisteddfod.
Her brother, Ashley Williams, reflected, “I never met her until we were adults and it was wonderful to meet up with her.”
He added, “In my opinion she was one of Wales most underrated singers. She had a tremendous career, it was very hard for her growing up.”
He also noted that in her later years, she performed in prestigious cabaret venues in America, often including Welsh songs in her repertoire.
“When she came back to Wales she used to come to the house a lot. I always used to say ‘where do you want to go?’ and she’d always say Tonyrefail.”
“She loved the valleys, she had so much support from people in the valleys,” he said.
The St David’s Society of the State of New York shared a tribute on social media, stating that Williams had “joined the heavenly chorus where her joyful singing will surely bring those joys beyond measure which we have been honoured to share.”
“New York held a special place in her life and it was here that she gave birth to her only child Blake.”
Opera singer Beverley Humphreys lauded Williams, stating that her “distinctive voice” would always be linked to the song “He Was Beautiful.”
“Iris had her own unique jazz style – vivacious and elegant – with a twinkle in her eye, she had a way of inhabiting each song she sang.”
“Iris was a story teller whose voice could set your feet tapping or touch your heart.”
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