Joe Williams

Date of Birth: December 12, 1918

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: March 29, 1999

Biography

Joe Williams, born Joseph Goreed, was an iconic American jazz singer known for his powerful baritone voice and his ability to swing with the best in the business. Emerging from the blues and jazz scenes of Chicago, Williams gained prominence in the 1950s as the lead vocalist for the Count Basie Orchestra. His tenure with Basie led to several hits, including “Every Day I Have the Blues,” which became one of his signature songs. Throughout his career, he worked with numerous distinguished orchestras and appeared in a variety of venues, from intimate jazz clubs to grand concert halls worldwide. Williams also made several television appearances and was a frequent guest on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” His contributions to jazz were recognized with numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance.

5 Interesting Facts about Joe Williams

1. Joe Williams was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1992.

2. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

3. Williams won a Grammy Award in 1984 for his album “Nothin’ But the Blues.”

4. He was known for his versatility, seamlessly transitioning from blues to jazz to pop standards.

5. Joe Williams often performed with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra before joining the Count Basie Orchestra.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joe Williams

1. “You have to live the blues to sing the blues.”

2. “Music is a language that doesn’t speak in particular words. It speaks in emotions, and if it’s in the bones, it’s in the bones.”

3. “The joy of singing is something that cannot be stolen.”

4. “A good song never dies. It stays with you long after the music is turned off.”

5. “Jazz is the sound of surprise, and I always aim to keep my audience surprised.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Joe Williams’ net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Joe Williams had one son, Joe Williams Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in music, albeit more behind the scenes as a producer and arranger.