Beau Williams

Beau Williams (1950–2026) was an American gospel singer and minister born in Houston, Texas. The son of a Baptist preacher and a choir director, he began his professional career performing R&B before returning to his gospel roots. He gained national attention in 1984 by winning the male vocalist competition on the television show *Star Search*. Williams signed with Light Records in the late 1980s to record gospel music. His 1989 gospel album, *Wonderful*, reached number two on the Billboard Gospel charts. The album earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best Soul Gospel Vocal Performance in 1990, and the title track received a Dove Award nomination for "Song of the Year." He also received Stellar and James Cleveland Award nominations during his career. Known for his multi-octave tenor voice, Williams was often compared to Sam Cooke. His catalog includes songs such as "Make Me Whole," "God Kept Me" (featuring The HamilTones), "Walk Around Heaven," "That's Heaven to Me," "It Is Well With My Soul," "He Wouldn't Let It Be," and "Say Yes." He was a minister who frequently appeared on religious television networks such as TBN, Daystar, and BET.