Viola Wills was born in New York City in 1944 and started singing in gospel settings. In 1965, she signed with Bert Berns' Bang Records, where they recorded 'Gonna Get Along Without You Now.' That song became a Top 10 hit that year, though some radio stations initially hesitated to play it.
Her 1967 album 'Soft and Soulful' included tracks like 'Crying in the Chapel' and 'I Can't Stand It.' She worked with musicians such as guitarist Cornell Dupree, bassist Chuck Rainey, and keyboardist Richard Tee. Another song of hers, 'Upon The Roof,' appears among her notable recordings.
Later in life, Wills dealt with addiction and financial troubles. Her voice carried a straightforward soul quality that kept her early recordings in circulation among R&B collectors.
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