Wendy O. Williams

From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia Wendy Orlean Williams May 28 1949 April 6 1998 better known as Wendy O Williams was an American singer songwriter and actress Born in Webster New York she first came to prominence as the lead singer of the punk rock band Plasmatics Her infamous stage theatrics included blowing up equipment near nudity and chainsawing guitars After she left home at the age of 16 Williams hitchhiked her way to Colorado earning money by crocheting string bikinis She later traveled to Florida and Europe landing various jobs such as lifeguard stripper and server at Dunkin Donuts When she returned to California in 1978 she began performing in live sex shows and later appeared in the adult film Candy Goes to Hollywood 1979 That same year she was approached by the manager Rod Swenson who recruited her to join his newly formed punk rock band Plasmatics The band shortly became known on the New York City underground scene performing at clubs such as CBGB After releasing three album with Plasmatics Williams embarked on a solo career and in 1984 released her debut album WOW She followed with the albums Kommander of Kaos 1986 and Deffest and Baddest 1988 before she retired from the music industry Williams made her screen debut in Tom DeSimones film Reform School Girls 1986 for which she recorded the title song She also appeared in the 1989 comedy Pucker Up and Bark Like a Dog and television seriesThe New Adventures of Beans Baxter and MacGyver On April 6 1998 Williams committed suicide near her home in Storrs Connecticut Dubbed The Queen of Shock Rock Williams was widely considered the most controversial and radical female singer of her day She often sported a Mohawk haircut In 1985 she was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Female Rock Vocal Performance category during the height of her popularity as a solo artist