Daddy

Had it not been for Andrew Charles (A.C.) Williams Jr. — affectionately called "Daddy" by members of a teenage choral group that he founded in 1949 called The Teen Town Singers — would there be a Carla Thomas, Memphis's Queen of Soul; Isaac Hayes, the balladeer of soul, the "Soul Man," and "Black Moses"; Markhum "Mark" L. Stansbury Sr., a university administrator who hosts a gospel program on WDIA Radio Station; Percy Wiggins, an American soul and gospel singer; Frances Burnett Kelley, a soprano who signed with Decca Records, guest-starred with Duke Ellington's band, and now an evangelist in the Church of God in Christ; and more.

"Daddy: A.C. Williams Jr. and his Teen Town Singers" is a fascinating story of Williams's foray into radio in 1949, the year he joined the staff at WDIA and started the choral group. After receiving the green light from John R. Pepper and Bert Ferguson, owners of the once fledgling radio station, which opened in 1947, Williams launched The Teen Town Singers. Now in their late 70s, 80s and 90s, The Teen Town Singers continue to sing the praises of their mentor, teacher, director, surrogate, disciplinarian, and progenitor, whom they still call "Daddy."

The 262-page book is biographical and filled with historical facts and personal stories about A.C. Williams Jr. by 19 surviving Teen Town Singers. There is also a pictorial spread inside and a roster of Teen Town Singers who conquered the world as singers, songwriters, entertainers, entrepreneurs, educators, administrators, athletes, and more.