Williams came to the attention of Ralph Bass of Federal Records, who linked him with an existing vocal group, the Flamingos, comprising Gaynel Hodge, David Lynch, Alex Hodge, and Herb Reed. When they became aware of another group of the same name, they renamed themselves the Platters and made their first recordings in September 1953, with Williams on lead vocal.
Williams's involvement with the Flamingos led to a change of name for the vocal group when they encountered another group with the same name. They became known as the Platters and started recording in September 1953, with Williams on lead vocals.