The renowned jazz and blues vocalist, a close collaborator of Count Basie's during the '50s and '60s, was a security guard at Chicago's Regal Theater, a favorite jazz spot, when his professional break came. He hooked up with Lionel Hampton, then began a relationship with Basie that carried him to the top of the jazz world. The two remained close friends until Basie's death in 1984. Although Williams' heyday came during his Basie era, he continued performing until the end. He influenced a number of talented male vocalists, including Tony Bennett and Buddy Greco.
Passage: Joe Williams, 80
The renowned jazz and blues vocalist, a close collaborator of Count Basie's during the '50s and '60s, was a security guard at Chicago's Regal Theater, a favorite jazz spot, when his professional break came. He hooked up with Lionel Hampton, then began a relationship with Basie that carried him to the top of the jazz world. The two remained close friends until Basie's death in 1984. Although Williams' heyday came during his Basie era, he continued performing until the end. He influenced a number of talented male vocalists, including Tony Bennett and Buddy Greco.
