Lee Andrew Williams (July 28, 1946–August 30, 2021) was an American gospel singer, songwriter, and philanthropist. He was the lead vocalist and founder of Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s, a gospel quartet that performed for more than fifty years. Over the course of their career, Williams and the group received several awards and recognitions, including Stellar Awards, the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010, a Soul Train Award for Best Gospel Album, an honorary doctorate in sacred music, and local honors such as the Key to the City of Tupelo.
Early life
Lee Andrew Williams was born on July 28, 1946, in Tupelo, Mississippi. He was raised in a religious household, where his parents encouraged participation in church and gospel music. By the age of seven or eight, he began singing in church congregations.
Williams was introduced early to the gospel quartet tradition. His uncle belonged to an earlier version of the Spiritual QC’s, and Williams often attended their rehearsals, where he learned about vocal harmony and performance. During his teenage years, he occasionally substituted for absent group members at local performances.
^ "Lee Andrew Williams". Jackson Advocate. 2021-09-17. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
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"Gospel fame sneaked up on Spiritual QC's leader". SFGate. Archived from the original on 2016-01-07. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
