[1] He served in the United States Army Air Forces around the end of World War II, rising to the rank of sergeant, and after leaving military service moved to Los Angeles, where he joined his older sister Bertha, who was developing a successful singing career under the name Linda Hayes.

Their initial recordings were unsuccessful, but Linda Hayes then introduced Williams to songwriter-talent manager Buck Ram, who had written "Twilight Time", "I'll Be Home for Christmas", and "At Your Beck and Call", among other hits.

Over the next three years, the group had a succession of hits, including "My Prayer", "Twilight Time", and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", all featuring Williams.

[4] In a dispute over money, Williams left the Platters in 1959 to pursue a solo career, and continued to work with Ram as his manager.

He released the album The Magic Touch Of Tony in 1962, and the same year overdubbed vocals for a Platters record, Encore Of Broadway Golden Hits.