Archie Williams Biography
Archie Williams is an American singer and songwriter who gained national attention after being wrongfully incarcerated for 36 years before his exoneration and memorable debut on America’s Got Talent in 2020 at age 59, wowing audiences with his smooth vocals. Born in poverty in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1959, Williams dropped out of high school in 10th grade to help provide for his family. Tragically, at age 22, he was wrongly convicted of rape and attempted murder due to eyewitness misidentification, sentencing him to over 36 years in the Louisiana State Penitentiary before being exonerated in 2019 through fingerprint evidence.
Upon release in 2019, Williams moved to Los Angeles to pursue his lifelong passion for music and singing. In early 2020, his awe-inspiring story and vocal talents captivated the America’s Got Talent judges and audiences during his audition. Williams continued impressing each round, ultimately finishing as a finalist and fan-favorite on season 15.
Presently, Williams actively shares his story while advocating for policy reform around eyewitness procedures and prisoner rehabilitation programs. Though robbed of decades, Williams perseveres through faith and forgiveness, living each day to the fullest.
Archie Williams’s Age
How old is Archie Williams?
Presently in 2024, American singer Archie Williams is 64 years of age. He was born in December 1959 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Tragically, Williams lost over 36 years of his life imprisoned from ages 22 to 58 due to a wrongful conviction until being exonerated in 2019. Upon release at age 59, he began actively pursuing his lifelong musical passion.
Archie Williams Daughter
Archie Williams was wrongfully imprisoned from ages 22 to 58. This stripped him of experiencing fatherhood during those vital years. Upon his 2019 release after 36 unjust years, Williams finally connected with his daughter, April. He was unable to raise April while incarcerated. Despite unimaginable hardship, the two have wonderfully reunited. They have formed a profoundly close bond. Archie recognizes nothing can replace what was stolen. Yet he deeply appreciates the present opportunity. This opportunity is of being in April’s life. Though physically absent during her upbringing, Archie’s love now fortifies April daily. They are next-door neighbors focused on positive futures.
Archie Williams’s Wife
In 2022, Archie Williams married Raven Lynch after connecting at an event honoring exonerees. Raven admires Archie’s perseverance and optimism despite his wrongful imprisonment. As Archie’s devoted wife, Raven supports him at advocacy events and singing performances.
Though Archie grapples with guilt over lost time, Raven feels gratitude to walk life’s path together from this point onward. She understands their present bond built on redemption and grace offers blessing during Archie’s senior years. Raven simply wishes to help Archie make the most of the time they now share.
The two have built a loving relationship out of tragedy and hope. Raven Lynch remains proud to stand by her husband Archie Williams as he continues using his voice to uplift others. Their marriage symbolizes that light can emerge even from the darkest storms.
Archie Williams Compensation
Archie Williams spent 36 years wrongfully imprisoned before his eventual exoneration in 2019. Following his release, Williams filed a lawsuit against the state of Louisiana and city of Baton Rouge seeking financial compensation for the over three decades he unjustly lost. In 2022, after years relentlessly advocating for reparative justice, Williams finally received restitution totaling $250,000. While no dollar sum could ever repay 36 stolen years, the settlement aided Williams entering life post-incarceration to pursue simple dreams like purchasing a home and reliable car. He allocates portions assisting other wrongly convicted individuals and reform efforts.
Archie Williams’s Go Fund Me
After Archie Williams’ wrongful 36-year incarceration ended upon his 2019 exoneration, a GoFundMe fundraiser was created to aid his transition back into society. The online fundraising campaign assisted the then 60-year-old Williams, who lost over three decades of his life imprisoned, by providing crucial means to reestablish normalcy. Generous donations from supporters across America helped Williams secure housing, transportation, and everyday necessities after leaving prison with almost nothing. Williams expressed deep appreciation at supporters selflessly giving to provide stability during the critical two years preceding his $250,000 settlement from Louisiana authorities in 2022.
Archie Williams Settlement
Archie Williams spent 36 years wrongfully imprisoned before his eventual exoneration in 2019. Following his release, Williams filed a lawsuit seeking compensation for his stolen decades. In 2022, after relentlessly advocating for justice, Williams finally received a $250,000 settlement. While no money could repay 36 lost years, it aided pursuing dreams like a home and car, and assisting other exonerees and reforms.
Archie Williams’s Songs
Archie Williams found solace in music while wrongfully imprisoned for 36 years. He taught himself to play piano and wrote over 100 songs during his incarceration. His music provided an escape and emotional outlet. After being exonerated in 2019, Williams began performing his original compositions publicly. He released an album titled ‘Songs in My Soul’ featuring songs crafted behind bars like ‘Tomorrow Ain’t Promised’ and ‘Time is Ticking Away’. Williams’ music conveys inspirational messages of hope and resilience born from injustice. Now free, he shares his gift to connect and inspire.
Archie Williams Net Worth
Archie Williams was awarded $250,000 in 2022 after being exonerated in 2019 from a 36-year wrongful imprisonment. While this compensation has aided rebuilding his life, his net worth remains modest for the time stolen. However, Williams found purpose advocating for others while pursuing his passion for music. His resilience makes him priceless.