Let’s hear it for singer Deniece Williams. The 75-year-old singer, best known to fans for her 1984 hit “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” from the Footloose soundtrack, looks and sounds like no time has passed since Kevin Bacon taught Chris Penn to dance to the soundtrack of her vocals in the early ‘80s.
Williams’ voice is still going strong—the singer is too, for that matter. Video of a recent performance of “Let’s Hear It For The Boy” at a Gary, Indiana celebration of what would have been Michael Jackson’s 67th birthday is going viral, with fans marveling that Williams’ voice is a stunning throwback to when the hit song was first released.
Williams, a native of Indiana just like the Jackson family, was honored at the birthday festivities and treated the crowd to some of her biggest hits.
“She’s still got it. Sounds good,” commented one fan on the video’s post. Another added, “She looks and sounds incredible.”
“Still sounds like an ‘80s icon,” wrote another enthusiastic fan.
Related: Kevin Bacon Stuns Concert Goers Singing and Dancing to ‘Footloose’: ‘I’m Screaming!’
The ‘Footloose’ Soundtrack: Breaking Records
The soundtrack reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart
ADVERTISEMENTIt contained six Billboard Top 100 hits, including “Let’s Hear It For The Boy”
The soundtrack was re-released in 1988 with four added tracks
Deniece Williams: From Pop Star to Gospel Music
Williams began her singing career as a backup vocalist for Stevie Wonder, eventually leaving the iconic singer to record her own music. Known for her diverse, powerhouse of a voice, Williams went on to record her own music, which scored her accolades on both the pop and soul charts.
The 1984 release of her album Let’s Hear It For The Boy earned her even more acclaim when the title song appeared on the Footloose soundtrack. From the late ‘80s to 2000s, Williams focused mostly on recording gospel and jazz music, for which she continues to be awarded and celebrated.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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