He had a career that promised so much, yet ultimately fulfilled so little.

South African born Danny Williams was once likened to Johny Matthis with his easy going and stylish rendition of ballads, yet he is only remembered for one song.

After a series of moderate achievements, Williams – who came to Britain on a touring show where he impressed EMI chiefs who signed him up – achieved national acclaim with his memorable cover version of Moon River in 1961.

It was almost at the height of his fame that Williams was arrested in Southampton. He was one of half a dozen patrons caught drinking after hours in the Victoria Club in the High Street when police raided the premises in the early hours.

Williams, then living in west London, did not attend the subsequent court hearing. He and four other Londoners as well as a Southampton man were fined £4 in their absence.

Williams later had a prominent role in a film, Keep It Cool with Billy Fury, but gradually his stardom dimmed and sadly in 1967 he suffered a nervous breakdown.

His career afterwards was chiefly confined to the night club circuit, though he did achieve one more minor hit ten years later.

He died from lung cancer in 2005, aged 63