Singer Vesta Williams dies at 53

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Big-voiced R&B diva Vesta Williams, perhaps best-known for her 1980s hits "Don't Blow a Good Thing" and "Congratulations," has been found dead of a possible drug overdose in a Southern California hotel room, coroner's investigators said Friday. She was 53.

Williams was found dead at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, officials said. An autopsy will determine the cause of death.

Born Mary Vesta Williams to a disc jockey in Coshocton, Ohio, she had hits with "Once Bitten Twice Shy," "Sweet, Sweet Love" and the torch song "Congratulations," in which she emotionally bids goodbye to her ex, about to marry someone else, on his wedding day.

Williams also appeared in movies and on television, including a recurring role on the television situation comedy "Sister, Sister," playing actress Jackee Harry's best friend, Monica.

Her initial success in the music industry came as a background singer for artists including Chaka Khan, Anita Baker and Sting. But she would eventually establish her career with release of her first album, "Vesta," in 1986.

Williams continued to make albums, and was a regular performer on the concert circuit.

-- AP