63 years ago today, a future superstar was born.
An iconic singer, actress, model and history-making pageant queen, Vanessa Williams is turning 63, and there is an endless number of reasons to celebrate her legendary life so far.
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Williams, who turns 63 on Wednesday, March 18, is known for a vast number of accomplishments, including being the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America in 1983.
She has also left an indelible mark on the music scene, with hits in various genres, like R&B and musical theater. But it was Williams’ transition into mainstream pop in the ’90s that would bring her career to the next level.
Her signature hit, “Save the Best for Last,” helped Williams make a comeback in the early ’90s, revitalizing her career years after becoming embroiled in scandal. (In 1984, Williams was forced to resign her Miss America title after nude photographs of her were set to be published in Penthouse magazine.)
“Save the Best for Last” would go on to earn Williams massive success, rebounding her career and solidifying her as a mainstream pop artist.
Released on her album The Comfort Zone in 1991, and later as a single in January 1992, “Save the Best for Last” spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Williams’ signature song, and the biggest chart-topper of her music career.
It also made Billboard‘s list of the Top 100 Pop Singles of 1992, coming in at #4 on the impressive list.
“Save the Best for Last” was nominated for two awards at the 1993 Grammys, including Best Pop Female Vocal Performance and Record of the Year. (Williams has a total of 11 career Grammy nominations, though she’s never won.)
In addition to “Save the Best for Last,” Williams is known for a number of other hit songs, including her pop version of “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas. More of her popular tracks include “Dreamin'” (1998), “The Sweetest Days” (1995) and “Love Is” (1993) from the Beverly Hills, 90210soundtrack.
Williams also has experience on Broadway, making her debut in 1994’s Kiss of the Spider Woman and later earning a Tony nomination for her role as the Witch in the 2002 revival of Into the Woods.
Along with her extensive list of music and stage credits, Williams is also known for a number of onscreen roles, like her Emmy-nominated performance in the TV series Ugly Betty and her role as Renee Perry in Desperate Housewives.
Related: 1998 Pop Anthem Made Chart History Exactly 27 Years Ago When It Hit No. 1
