Joe Williams biography

Profile

Joe Williams was born December 12, 1918, in Cordele, Georgia. He joined the Count Basie Orchestra in 1954. His recording of “Every Day I Have the Blues” with Basie in 1955 made him famous and was a factor in the Basie band's comeback. Staying with Basie until 1961, Williams also had hits with “Alright, Okay, You Win,” “Going to Chicago,” and “The Comeback.” He launched a solo career in 1961.