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James Williams

Pianist

Birthday March 8, 1951

Birth Sign Pisces

Birthplace Tennessee

DEATH DATE Jul 20, 2004 (53)

#100286 Most Popular

About

Jazz artist who collaborated with some of the greatest musicians in history, including Wynton Marsalis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Chet Baker.

Before Fame

He was an organist for six years at Eastern Star Baptist Church in Memphis.

Trivia

He was offered a teaching position at the Berklee College of Music when he was 22, an offer that he accepted.

Family Life

His family recognized his gifts early on, and he began formal piano lessons when he was 13.

Associated With

He met Art Blakey in 1977, prompting him to leave Berklee and join Blakey's The Messengers for four years and 10 albums.