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The "Amazing Grace" of Gospel Singer Marion Williams

Williams died on Saturday at the age of 66. Her trademark, a long-lasting high A-flat "whooo," has been adopted by most gospel singers and soul singers like Little Richard and Aretha Franklin. A pioneer of gospel music, she started singing with the Clara Ward Singers, the first gospel group to perform outside the church. A self- proclaimed "Holy Roller", in 1993 WILLIAMS received the MacArthur Foundation grant and the Kennedy Center Honars Award in Washington for her lifetime achievement in the arts.We replay out 1993 interview with her.

15:26

Other segments from the episode on July 5, 1994

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, July 5, 1994: Interview with Ian Buruma; Obituary for Marion Williams; Review of Nicholas Freeling's book "Criminal Convictions" and Dorothy Allison's book "Skin."

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Transcripts are created on a rush deadline, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of Fresh Air interviews and reviews are the audio recordings of each segment.

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