Cootie williams biography

  • Charles Melvin "Cootie" Williams was an American jazz, jump blues, and rhythm and blues trumpeter.
  • Cootie Williams, American trumpeter whose mastery of mutes and expressive effects made him one of the most distinctive jazz musicians.
  • Charles Melvin “Cootie” Williams (1911-1985) was an American trumpeter.

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    Cootie Williams: The Trumpet Maestro of Swing and Beyond

    Introduction:

    Cootie Williams is a name synonymous with the golden era of jazz, a time when swing was king and big bands ruled the airwaves. Born Charles Melvin Williams one hundred and thirteen years ago today on July 10, 1911, in Mobile, Alabama, Cootie Williams left an indelible mark on the world of jazz with his virtuosity on the trumpet and his innovative contributions to the genre. From his early days with Duke Ellington’s orchestra to his forays into rhythm and blues, Williams’ career spanned several decades and genres, making him one of the most versatile and influential trumpeters in jazz history.

    Early Life and Career Beginnings:

    Williams began his professional career at the age of 14 with the Young Family band, which included the renowned saxophonist Lester Young. In 1928, he made his first recordings with the influential pianist James P. Johnson in New York. During this period, he also worked briefl

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    Charles Melvin “Cootie” Williams (July 10, 1911 – September 15, 1985) was an American jazz, jump blues, and rhythm and blues trumpeter. Born in Mobile, Alabama, United States, Williams began his professional career with the ung Family band, which included saxophonist Lester Young, when he was 14 years old.In 1928, he made his first recordings with pianist James P. Johnson in New York, where he also worked briefly in the bands of Chick Webb and Fletcher Henderson. He rose to prominence as a member of Duke Ellington’s orchestra, with which he performed from 1929 to 1940. He also recorded his own sessions during this time, both freelance and with other Ellington sidemen. In 1940 he joined Benny Goodman’s orchestra, a highly publicized move that caused ganska a stir at the time (commemorated by Raymond Scott with the song “When Cootie Left the Duke”), then in 1941 formed his own orchestra, in which over the years he employed Charlie Parker, Eddie 

  • cootie williams biography

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    Cootie Williams was an integral part of Duke Ellington’s grupp and a valued soloist from 1929-1940. He replaced trumpeter Bubber Miley whose plunger mute and growl contributed to the Ellington band’s distinctive sound. Williams was able to expand on that role with his superior technique and has influenced players such as Wynton Marsalis. His brilliant open horn playing is featured in many of Ellington’s recordings, including “Concerto for Cootie” which Ellington wrote for him when he left the band, following it up with “New Concerto for Cootie” when he returned. During his years with Duke, Williams frequently recorded on his own with artists such as Teddy Wilson, Billie Holiday, and Lionel Hampton or other fellow Ellingtonians.

    After playing with Benny Goodman for a year, Williams led his own bands from 1942 until 1959 and employed some of the hot young players of the day such as Bud Powell, Arnett Cobb, “Lockjaw” Davis, and Eddie Vinson before veering off into R&B in the later