Clarence Williams

Biography

Clarence Williams was born in Plaquemine, Louisiana, likely in 1898, though some sources cite earlier dates. Of Choctaw and Creole heritage, he grew up in the vibrant musical environment of New Orleans, where his father was a bass player and hotel owner. Williams began performing as a child, singing in the streets and entertaining guests at his family's hotel. At age 12, he joined Billy Kersands's minstrel show, quickly becoming its master of ceremonies, which honed his skills as a performer and organizer.[4]

Returning to New Orleans, Williams played piano in Storyville's honky-tonks and managed cabarets, while also starting a suit cleaning business. He soon partnered with Armand J. Piron to launch a music publishing company, and later with Spencer Williams (no relation) to copyright and publish jazz and blues hits like 'Royal Garden Blues' and 'None Of My Jelly Roll.' By the 1920s, Williams had moved to New York, where he became a prolific composer, bandleader, and music publisher. He assembled influential recording groups such as the Blue Five, featuring Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet, and worked closely with his wife, vocalist Eva Taylor. Williams was instrumental in bringing Bessie Smith to Columbia Records and managing her early career.[1][2][3][5]

Williams's musical style blended ragtime, early jazz, blues, and swing, characterized by catchy melodies and strong rhythmic drive. His catalog includes classics like 'Baby, Won't You Please Come Home,' 'West End Blues,' and 'Sugar Blues.' As a publisher and A&R man, he directed production for nearly a thousand records, shaping the sound of early jazz. Williams's legacy endures through his compositions, his pioneering role as an African American music entrepreneur, and his influence on generations of jazz musicians.[1][3][6]

Fun Facts

• Williams sold his music catalog of 2,000 songs to Decca Records in 1943 for $50,000, a significant sum for the era.[1]
• He was one of the most successful African American music publishers of the 1920s and 1930s, owning the leading Black-owned sheet music business.[1][2]
• Williams was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, running a suit cleaning business and cabarets before focusing on music.[4][5]
• He played a key role in assembling all-star recording groups, often bringing together future legends like Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet for his sessions.[2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• W.C. Handy - Williams was inspired by Handy, 'The Father of the Blues,' and Handy helped Williams and Piron place their compositions in Memphis music stores. (Assisted with publishing early compositions) [1910s]

Key Collaborators

• Armand J. Piron - Co-founded a New Orleans-based publishing company and performed together in vaudeville acts. (Publishing company, vaudeville tours) [1915–1920s]
• Spencer Williams - Partnered in publishing and co-writing songs; together they produced hits like 'Royal Garden Blues.' ('Royal Garden Blues', 'None Of My Jelly Roll') [1919–1920s]
• Louis Armstrong - Recorded with Armstrong in the Blue Five group; Armstrong played cornet on several Williams sessions. (Blue Five recordings ('Cakewalking Babies From Home')) [1920s]
• Sidney Bechet - Featured Bechet in Blue Five recordings, helping launch his career as a soprano saxophonist. (Blue Five recordings) [1920s]
• Eva Taylor - Williams's wife and frequent vocalist on his recordings. (Numerous blues and pop records) [1920s–1930s]
• Bessie Smith - Managed her early career and brought her to Columbia Records; wrote or published several of her hits. ('Gulf Coast Blues', management and recording) [1920s]

Artists Influenced

• Thomas 'Fats' Waller - Williams was a major influence on Waller's songwriting and piano style. (Waller's early compositions and performance style) [1920s–1930s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Everybody Loves My Baby (Whoop It Up)
2. Crazy Blues (Whoop It Up)
3. While I Live: The Dream of Olwen (Arr. G. Robinson for Piano and Orchestra) - Instrumental (Concert Favorites: Liberace)
4. Everybody Loves My Baby (But My Baby Don’t Love Nobody But Me) (11-06-24) (Complete Jazz Series 1921 - 1924)
5. Wild Cat Blues (Whoop It Up)
6. I'm Wild About That Thing
7. Texas Moaner Blues (Whoop It Up)
8. After Tonight (Whoop It Up)
9. Close Fit Blues (Shake 'Em Up - Clarence Williams 1927-29)
10. Everybody Loves My Baby

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia