**Celebrated Welsh Singer Iris Williams Dies at 79 After Storied Career Spanning Continents**
Iris Williams OBE, the distinguished Welsh vocalist widely lauded for her elegant interpretations and captivating stage presence, has passed away at the age of 79 in the United States. Williams, whose voice resonated with audiences from the valleys of Wales to the White House, leaves behind a legacy marked by musical triumphs, resilience, and international acclaim.
Born in Pontypridd, Iris Williams displayed a passion for music from an early age, a talent that would see her traverse from humble beginnings to global stages. After receiving a scholarship, she attended the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, a formative period which laid the foundation for an illustrious career. Notably, Williams overcame early adversity, having spent much of her childhood in a children’s home in Tonyrefail, a testament to her determination and spirit.
Williams’ professional rise became most prominent in the 1980s, following performances that captured the attention of both national and international audiences. Among her best-loved recordings are “He Was Beautiful” and “Pererin Wyf,” the latter being a Welsh-language rendition of “Amazing Grace.” The soulful sincerity with which she interpreted such classics became a hallmark of her enduring appeal.
Her reputation quickly extended beyond Welsh borders. One of the crowning achievements of her career was the opportunity to perform for US President Gerald Ford on multiple occasions, cementing her status as a cultural ambassador for Wales. She also graced the stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where she performed for Queen Elizabeth II, further illustrating the extent to which her artistry was recognised at the highest levels.
Williams was not only an accomplished performer but also an influential figure within Welsh culture. In 1979, she hosted her own BBC television show after earlier appearances on programmes such as “Disc A Dawn.” That same year, she took home the top prize at “Cân i Gymru” after delivering a memorable rendition of “I gael Cymru’n Gymru Rydd”, a stirring call for a free Wales.
Her contributions to the arts received formal acknowledgment in 2004 when she was awarded an OBE for services to music. The recognition was warmly welcomed by her devoted fans, who had followed her journey from Wales to New York, where she eventually settled and raised her son, Blake. New York, she once remarked, held a special place in her heart and became a backdrop to her continuing impact as a performer.
The music world has paid tribute to Williams following the news of her death. Her brother, Ashley, speaking to the BBC, expressed both admiration and affection for his sibling, describing her as “one of Wales’ most underrated singers” and reflecting on the challenges she faced early in life. Opera singer Beverley Humphreys echoed these sentiments, highlighting Williams’ capacity to blend jazz’s vivacity with storytelling depth, saying, “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.”
Across the Atlantic, the St David’s Society of the State of New York remembered Williams for the “joyful singing” she shared with audiences, remarking poignantly that she had now “joined the heavenly chorus.” Their remarks underscored the affection and respect she enjoyed not only in Wales but among the Welsh diaspora across the globe.
Throughout her career, Williams never strayed far from her roots, participating in events such as the 1999 concert to celebrate the opening of the National Assembly for Wales. These appearances deepened her connection to her homeland and reinforced her status as a cherished cultural icon.
As tributes continue to pour in, Iris Williams’ life and achievements serve as inspiration, illustrating how artistry, resilience, and unwavering commitment can transcend both geography and circumstance. She will be remembered not only for the beauty of her voice but for the meaningful connections she forged on both sides of the Atlantic.