Born William Oliver Swofford on February 22, 1945, in North Wilkesboro, NC, Oliver's first big hit was a song from the Broadway musical Hair, also a source for a hit ("Age of Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In") for the 5th Dimension. Released on Jubilee, "Good Morning Starshine" b/w "Can't You See" went to number three pop in spring 1969.

He toured throughout the '70s, retired from the music business in the '80s, and worked in the construction and pharmaceutical fields. At the age of 54, Oliver died of cancer on February 12, 2000, in Shreveport, LA. ~ All Music Guide