William King (born January 30, 1949)[1] is an American singer, musician and choreographer. He is a founding member of the Commodores, where he plays trumpet, guitar, synthesizer, flute, and congas/percussion and is the group's choreographer.
William King | |
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| Born | January 30, 1949 Birmingham, Alabama, U.S. |
| Other names | Wak |
| Years active | 1968–present |
| Spouses | Shirley Hanna-King (m. 1976) Deborah Walker-King (m. 2020) |
| Children | 4 |
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Background
editKing was born in Birmingham, Alabama. After attending Tuskegee University, where he received all-conference selections in the SIAC,[2] he considered playing tennis professionally but decided to continue his career with the Commodores.[1] King was also hired by a digital computer company to write software but gave that up as well to join the band.[3]
King's compositions include "Lady" and "I'm In Love", both of which he co-composed with Harold Hudson and his wife Shirley Hanna-King. The latter was the B side to their single "Janet" which was released in 1985.[4]
Personal life
editKing married his songwriting partner and fellow Grammy Award nominee, Shirley Hanna-King in 1976 and they have four children. King is an avid tennis player, inducted to the SIAC Hall of Fame in 2024,[2] and has participated in many tournaments.
References
edit- ^ a b "William King". Commodoreslive.com. Retrieved 2012-07-24.
- ^ a b "SIAC to induct 7 into Hall of Fame". www.triangletribune.com. The Triangle Tribune. July 1, 2024. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
King was a standout from 1968-71 and '74. The versatile athlete also fostered his passion for music as a founding member of The Commodores while balancing his collegiate tennis career. King received all-conference selections for his tennis performance, and experienced continued musical success with a Grammy award and numerous nominations.
- ^ Inlander, January 09, 2020 - Music News, The Commodores' William King talks about the early years on the road, basketball with Marvin Gaye and the magic of Motown By Sean Mcalindin
- ^ 45Cat - Commodores - Discography, USA
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