Harvey W. Williams' Obituary
Harvey W. Williams, known as “HARVEY”, singer and front man for his band, HARVEY AND 52ND. STREET JIVE. lost his fight to cancer on April 11, 2025. Harvey was born August 12, 1946 in Dayton Ohio where he grew up, graduated from Roosevelt High School and Sinclair College, worked for the Veteran’s Administration for 10 years and started a singing career. He arrived in San Diego in the late 70’s settling in Golden Hill. He worked in retail for Lion’s Clothing in Fashion Valley but soon after formed a band that helped define his path going forward. Their music was well known for amazing covers of Motown, Swing and Pop songs. The band developed a following with gigs at Soledad Franco in downtown San Diego and the opening of Horton Plaza, where he performed. Many years of steady gigs followed in the popular bar/restaurant FAT CITY and the gazebo at Seaport Village. San Diegans came to know and love Harvey’s sound as they would hear him in malls, parks, bars and countless weddings. Thousands of San Diegans were drawn to his performances of Summer Concerts in Balboa Park’s Spreckels Organ Pavillion where he was the longest running performer in the Summer Concert series, with more than 30 summers under his belt, this record remains unmatched by any other performer. He also performed on stage at the Science of Mind Church for nationally known Reverend Terry Cole Whittaker. Terry absolutely loved how he could inspire her Sunday crowd of a thousand attendees at the El Cortez Hotel. His performances outside San Diego were in Los Angeles, Palm Desert and many points in between, a career highlight in the 1980’s was his appearance in New Orleans at the conference known as the National Association of Television Executive Producers (NATEP). In this event he shared the stage with legendary performers such as actor John Davidson, TV personality Oprah Winfrey and most importantly, opened for Ray Charles.
Harvey was a moving entertainer known for his velvety singing voice and his absolute charisma. His enthusiasm and commanding stage presence was infectious to his band members and audiences alike. His fans were delighted to experience a singer and band that truly enjoyed themselves as they played, and how it showed. He was such an unusual stage showman that it is safe to say that during his time, he was possibly the most popular performer among many in San Diego.
He held the esteem of hundreds of friends among local musicians. Too many of them have preceded him. His longest playing musicians, friends and collaborators were; Ray Briz, Oliver Shirley, Chris Klick, Peter Woods, Don Bowman, Adam Wolf, James Hankins, Gene Maurillo and Rita Eldridge; all life-long friends deserving of condolences also, as they grieve his passing.
In the early 90s Harvey started his work for the San Diego Unified School District where he assisted special needs students. Students and staff will never forget the effect Mr. Williams had on Central Elementary and Wilson Middle School classrooms. He encouraged students to always do their best, treated everyone with dignity and was a role model for all--- students and staff; always dressed in a suit and tie. In turn, he expected students to treat others as they would want to be treated. He took charge of programs to Improve the Academic Achievement of African American Students (IAAAAS) at Central Elementary School and continued the work in Wilson Middle School. In addition, he arranged off campus activities such as marching in the MLK parade, swimming at the Y and ice skating in Horton Plaza. He made it his mission to improve the lives of his students.
Harvey was preceded to heaven by his mother Ida Burton, father Louie D. Williams Sr. and brother Louie D. Williams Jr.. He is survived by his sisters ANITA and TRISH, many beloved nieces and nephews and husband Javier Rodriguez.
What’s your fondest memory of Harvey?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harvey?
Share a story where Harvey's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harvey you’ll never forget.
How did Harvey make you smile?
