Soulobit: Vesta Williams

Vesta Williams, soul singer and actress, has died, reports the LA Times.

Although her music never sold in massive quantities - her crossover chart record never matched that of her achievements on the R&B chart - she managed a name recognition that outstripped her sales. (Helped, perhaps, by a recurring role in Sister, Sister.)



Williams had been rebuilding her career after something of a slump in the 1990s, which coincided with health problems. She had recently taken on a role promoting awareness of childhood diabetes and obesity; she was performing again and had been due to appear on sub-par American Idol clone The Voice in the next few weeks.

The cause of Williams' death is currently not public; her body was found in a hotel room in LA. She was 53.

[Thanks to Michael M]