Samuel E. "Tony" Williams (April 5, 1928 – August 14, 1992) was the lead singer of the Platters from 1953 to 1960. Williams was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and died in Manhattan of emphysema. He had an older sister, Linda Hayes. The Platters were discovered and managed by Buck Ram. On the Mercury record label 45 rpm release of the Platters' song, "My Prayer," Williams was listed as Tony Wilson. In a dispute over money, Williams left the Platters to pursue a solo career, and continued to work with Ram.