McKinley “Bug” Williams, a longtime member of the popular soul/R&B Maze has passed away.
The percussionist and vocalist died on Saturday after suffering an apparent heart attack while the group was on the road for an appearance in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Williams, who was believed to be in his early 60s, could always be spotted on stage during Maze concerts, wearing his trademark glasses and playing various percussion instruments.
As a background vocalist, he contributed significantly to the tight harmonies on some of the group’s popular classics, including “Happy Feelings”, “Golden Time of Day”, “Joy and Pain.” and “Running Away”.
Williams was a life-long friend of Maze co-founder and lead vocalist Frankie Beverly. Formed in Philadelphia in 1970, Maze scored a dozen Top 20 R&B chart hits and many “quiet storm” radio favorites during its heyday from 1977 to 1993.
“I’ve never played with anyone else,” Williams is quoted as saying on Maze’s website. “I’ve always wanted the same basic things that Frank wanted for the band and my attitude was ‘let’s take it to the max.'”
The group continues to have a very busy touring schedule, and has always been popular with Indiana audiences. Maze already performed twice in Indiana during June (in Elizabeth and Hammond), and is scheduled as the headline act for this year’s Circle City Classic Cabaret in Indianapolis, taking place at the Indiana Convention of Friday, Sept. 30.
Funeral arrangements for Williams were pending at press time.
