|
Clarence Williams
Pianist, Bandleader, Composer, Music Publisher, Producer, A&R Man, Entrepreneur
(1893 - 1965)
|
|
|
|
|
Clarence Williams was equal parts businessman and musician (jug, piano, vocals) who wrote or co-wrote scores of hits including “Royal Garden Blues” (1919), “Baby Won’t You Please Come Home” (1919), “Tain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do” (1922), and “Everybody Loves My Baby” (1924). Williams was a highly accomplished promoter, and although he had a reputation of putting his name on songs for which his contribution was largely promotional, he did organize all-star groups and publish and record hundreds of songs. A short list of the now-renowned musicians he recruited for his bands includes James P. Johnson, Willie “The Lion” Smith, Sidney Bechet, Louis Armstrong, Bubber Miley, King Oliver, and Coleman Hawkins. With his Blue Five band he was the first to record “I’ve Found a New Baby.”
- Sandra Burlingame |
|
|
|
