Oliver (William Oliver Swofford)

Oliver (William Oliver Swofford, February 22, 1945–February 13, 2000) was an American pop singer. Born in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, he began singing as an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the early 1960s. He was a member of two music groups: The Virginians and, later, The Good Earth.

Related Topics:
February 22 - 1945 - February 13 - 2000 - North Carolina - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - 1960s

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Oliver's clean-cut good looks and soaring baritone were the perfect vehicle for his 1969 Top Five single "Good Morning Starshine", from the pop-rock musical Hair.

Related Topics:
1969 - Pop - Rock - Hair

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Later that year he had another Top Five hit with Rod McKuen's melodious ballad "Jean", the theme from the Oscar-winning film The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.

Related Topics:
Rod McKuen - Oscar - The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

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Oliver appeared on a number of TV variety shows and specials in the late 1960s, including the Ed Sullivan Show.

Related Topics:
1960s - Ed Sullivan Show

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Despite his vocal talents, Oliver could not sustain more hits and he later made a career in business. In the late 1990s he was diagnosed with cancer, and he died in Shreveport, Louisiana, in early 2000.

Related Topics:
1990s - Shreveport - Louisiana

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