

In 1977, her second effort arrived, with "Song Bird" again delivering a number of hit singles, including a duet with Johnny Mathis, which broke into the Top Ten. Distributed through Columbia Records, "This Is Niecey" was a hit, featuring the single "free" which reached number two on the Billboard R&B Chart. In 1975, Williams left the group, having teamed up with producer Maurice White for her first solo release. Gaining this first exposure to the music business, Williams toured with Wonder over several years, helping to develop her talents as an artist whilst also juggling these commitments with raising her two sons. Six months later, Williams flew to Detroit, US for an audition, becoming the successful candidate through her rendition of "Teach Me Tonight." Williams became part of a trio of backing singers for Wonder, known as Wonderlove. Upon adulthood, Willaims worked several low paying jobs, finding little energy to try her hand at music, which soon changed after being introduced to Stevie Wonder by her cousin. WIth her mother being an established singer, Williams always looked up to her, whilst finding influence from the likes of Stevie Wonder, Earth WInd & Fire and Patti LaBelle. Deniece Williams first began singing at her church, performing as part of their gospel choir.
