Born in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Williams sang many popular ballads which were very successful in Great Britain where he spent most of his life, scoring a Number One hit with his cover version of "Moon River" in 1961. "White On White" was his only U.S. Top Ten hit, which charted in 1964. He was married three times, and is survived by his partner Daniella, two daughters and a son, the actor Anthony Barclay.

Although his version of "Moon River" was a British chart topper in 1961, Williams also enjoyed several lesser hits in Britain, and in 1964 enjoyed a big hit in many parts of the world, but not in Britain, with the song, "White On White".

Died, after a battle with cancer, in December 2005.