Joseph Williams Biographical information Born September 1, 1960 Birthplace Santa Monica, California Career information Years 1980–present

Joseph Stanley Williams (born September 1, 1960) is an American rock singer and film score composer best known for his work in the rock band, Toto. He is the son of famed film composer John Williams and actress/singer Barbara Ruick, and the grandson of jazz drummer Johnny Williams.

Biography

Born in Santa Monica, California, Williams started his professional career when he released his first self-titled album in 1980 at the age of 20.[1] Three years later, Williams served as an uncredited lyricist for the songs, "Lapti Nek" and "the Ewok Celebration" from the original 1983 release of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi,[2] while his father was the composer for the film. In 1986, Williams became the lead singer for the popular group, Toto from 1986 to 1989.[1] before leaving due to personal problems. During his three-year stint, Williams sang on several of the group's top-40 hits: "I'll Be Over You," "Could This Be Love," "Pamela," and "Stop Loving You".[3]

After departing from Toto, Williams continually worked as a session vocalist, and can be heard on numerous projects by other artists, as well as on movie soundtracks. During production of The Lion King, he lent his singing voice to young adult Simba in the songs, "Hakuna Matata" (alongside Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella) and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" (alongside Sally Dworsky). He also did the singing voice of Simba in the "Best Christmas of All" musical number of Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse (again, alongside Sally Dworsky as that of Nala) and in the Disney Interactive game Disney's Active Play: The Lion King II: Simba's Pride (in place of his sequel singing replacement, Cam Clarke).

After that, Williams worked as a composer of film and television scores, most notably for episodes of the science fiction series "Roswell", and "The Lyon's Den". In 2003, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Main Title Theme Music" for the TV series Miracles.[4] Meanwhile, Wiliams still continued his solo career as a singer, with his most recent album titled Williams/Friestedt.