Candy Goes To Hollywood Wendy O Williams
Introduction
Candy Goes to Hollywood is the second solo album from Wendy O. Williams, former lead singer of the punk band The Plasmatics. The album was released in 1982 and featured a mix of punk, hard rock, and new wave influences. It also marked Williams' transition from the aggressive, confrontational style of The Plasmatics to a more mainstream sound.
Early Life and Career
Wendy O. Williams was born in Webster, New York in 1949. She began her career as a singer in the late 1970s, fronting the punk band The Plasmatics. The band was known for its high-energy live shows, which often featured Williams destroying guitars and other instruments on stage.
Despite their controversial image, The Plasmatics gained a loyal following and were signed to a major record label in 1980. Williams released her first solo album, WOW, the following year.
Candy Goes to Hollywood
Candy Goes to Hollywood was released in 1982 and featured a more polished sound than Williams' previous work. The album was produced by Ric Ocasek of The Cars and featured guest appearances by members of Blondie and The Waitresses.
The album's title track was a minor hit, reaching #71 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The music video for the song featured Williams in a variety of Hollywood-inspired costumes, including a Marilyn Monroe-style dress and a Wonder Woman outfit.
Legacy
Although Candy Goes to Hollywood was not a commercial success, it remains a cult favorite among fans of 1980s rock music. The album's blend of punk, hard rock, and new wave influences foreshadowed the sound of many popular bands of the era, including The Go-Go's and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Wendy O. Williams continued to perform and record music throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. She tragically took her own life in 1998 at the age of 48.
Conclusion
Candy Goes to Hollywood is a landmark album in the career of Wendy O. Williams. It marked her transition from the confrontational punk rock of The Plasmatics to a more mainstream sound, and showcased her talents as a versatile vocalist and performer. Although the album was not a commercial success, it remains a cult favorite among fans of 1980s rock music.