Cecil Womack
September 25, 1947 — Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Cecil Womack was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer who helped shape the sound of R&B and soul across four decades. Born into a musical family as one of the famed Womack brothers, he built a distinguished career both behind the scenes as a songwriter and in front of the microphone. He achieved his greatest recognition as one half of the duo Womack & Womack with his second wife, Linda Womack, before later adopting the name Zekkariyas.
Early Life and Musical Roots
Cecil Dale Womack was born on September 25, 1947, into a deeply musical family that produced several notable performers, collectively known as the Womack Brothers. Growing up surrounded by gospel and soul influences, Cecil and his siblings began performing together at a young age, eventually transitioning from gospel roots into secular soul and R&B music. The Womack Brothers built a reputation as skilled vocalists and musicians in the 1960s soul scene, laying the groundwork for Cecil's lifelong career in the music industry. His early exposure to songwriting and vocal harmony within the family group gave him a foundation that would serve him well as he moved into songwriting for other artists and eventually into his own recording career. The close-knit musical upbringing among the Womack brothers, including his more famous sibling Bobby Womack, created a network of collaboration and creative exchange that influenced Cecil's approach to composing and performing throughout his professional life.
Songwriting and Womack & Womack
Cecil Womack established himself as a talented songwriter, penning material for various artists before finding his signature creative partnership with Linda Cooke, whom he married and who became his musical collaborator. Linda was the daughter of soul legend Sam Cooke, adding another layer of musical pedigree to their union. Together they formed Womack & Womack, releasing a string of albums that blended soul, R&B, and pop sensibilities. The duo achieved international success, particularly with their 1988 hit "Teardrops," which became a defining song of their career and remains their best-known work. Their songwriting partnership extended beyond their own recordings, as they contributed compositions to other artists as well. Womack & Womack's music was noted for its smooth, sophisticated blend of soulful vocals and polished production, earning them a dedicated following, particularly in the United Kingdom, where their records often performed strongly on the charts.
Did You Know?
Cecil Womack's wife and musical partner, Linda, was the daughter of soul icon Sam Cooke, meaning Womack & Womack united two of soul music's most storied family lineages. Later in life, Cecil took on the name Zekkariyas, marking a striking personal reinvention after decades as one of the Womack brothers.
Later Years, Zekkariyas, and Legacy
In his later years, Cecil Womack adopted the name Zekkariyas, reflecting a personal and spiritual transformation that shaped the final chapter of his artistic identity. He continued to create music under this new name, though he remained best known to the public for his work as part of Womack & Womack and his contributions to the broader Womack musical legacy. Cecil Womack died in 2013, leaving behind a body of work that spanned gospel, soul, and R&B across several decades. His influence persisted through the continued popularity of songs like "Teardrops" and through the enduring legacy of the Womack family in American music. As both a songwriter and performer, he helped bridge generations of soul music, connecting the gospel traditions of his youth to the polished R&B sounds of the 1980s, and his partnership with Linda Womack remains a notable example of a successful husband-and-wife musical collaboration in popular music history.
