By Diego Ramos Bechara

Maurice Williams, the lead singer of Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs and the songwriter behind their 1960 hit “Stay,” died on Aug. 6, according to an announcement from the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. He was 86.

Williams was born on April 26, 1938 in Lancaster, SC and was a prominent figure in the American doo-wop scene of the second half of the 20th century. He began his musical journey early, forming his first group, the Royal Charms, while in high school. This group would eventually become Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs.

Williams is best known for the 1960 hit “Stay,” which he originally wrote as a teenager and performed with The Zodiacs. The song became an instant classic, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. At just 1 minute and 36 seconds, it is still the shortest song to ever top the charts.