Solid!

Born

• October 8, 1893/8
• Plaquemine, LA

Died

• November 6, 1965
• New York, NY

Marriage

• Eva Taylor (1921)

Clarence Williams

One of the main influences in early jazz music, Clarence Williams did it all. He was a performer, composer, agent, publisher, and businessman. Williams claimed to have created jazz, and while that may not be completely true he without a doubt helped shape its development. There wasn't much in which Williams didn't have his hand.

Of part Creole and part Choctaw heritage, Williams grew up around music. His father was a bass player and a hotel owner. Williams began performing in the family business while still young. At twelve years of age he left home to tour with Billy Kersands' minstrel show and became the groups master of ceremonies. He later returned to New Orleans, where he started a suit-cleaning service and began to play piano in the legendary Storyville district. A dedicated musician, he worked hard to perfect his style and to stay ahead of his competition. He also began to write songs in this period and opened his own music hall.

In 1915 he formed a music publishing business with bandleader Armand Piron. The two eventually formed a vaudeville act and found moderate success on the theater circuit. During this time they became friends with composer and performer W.C. Handy, who helped them advance their careers by promoting their music and featuring them in some of his shows.

When Storyville closed, Williams, like many other New Orleans-based musicians, headed north. He settled in Chicago in 1920, where he eventually opened three music stores. That same year Mamie Smith became the first black female blues singer to record, and public reception was overwhelming. Williams cashed in on the phenomena and began to promote similar female vocalists. In 1921 he married blues singer Eva Taylor. The two often performed together.

In 1923 Williams sold his Chicago music stores and moved to New York, where he began to promote jazz and New Orleans music. He began working with singer Bessie Smith that same year. Their partnership came to an abrupt end when Smith discovered the Williams was pocketing a portion of her fees. Williams often dealt dishonestly with those whom he represented and sometimes took credit for songs he did not write, making it difficult to accurately compile a list of his compositions. He was also noted, though, for giving a helping hand to struggling musicians and being a significant influence on the direction of jazz music. From 1923 to 1928 he served as A&R director for the Okeh label.

Between 1923 and 1927 Williams recorded more than 300 songs on many different labels, often under pseudonyms. In 1927 he wrote and produced the failed music theater production Bottomlands. His music publishing business remained strong however. His method of operation was to perform a new song himself in theaters, dance halls, and dime stores. He would then peddle the sheet music to performers and other interested parties. In 1943 he sold his catalog of over 2,000 songs to Decca.

Williams continued to compose up until 1956, when he was hit by a cab and lost his sight. He still worked occasionally up until the time of his death. Clarence Williams passed away in 1965.