Charles Melvin “Cootie” Williams Jazz Trumpet Musician 1911-1985
Early Life Born in Mobile, Alabama Self-taught trumpet player Toured with bands before moving to New York (1928) Joined Duke Ellington in his band the next year (Feb. 1929)Toured and recorded with Duke Ellington’s band for 11 years Led his own recording sessions with Lionel Hampton, Billie Holiday, and Teddy Wilson
Older Life Performed as a guest for Benny Goodman’s Carnegie Hall Concert (1938) Joined Benny Goodman’s orchestra (1940) Left to head his own band “The Chicago Defender” (1942) Rejoined Ellington’s band (1962) Stayed after Ellington’s death (1974) Died in New York City (1958)
Interesting Facts Mother was a church organist while father owned a gambling house Toured with Young Family Band at the age of 14 Made first recordings with pianist James P. Johnson (1928) Famous for playing with a plunger mute Wrote “Cowpox Boogie” while recovering from small pox (1947)
Cootie Williams and his Orchestra (1943) “Swing Dance” https://youtu.be/m9k7d3RzoxA
Citations Yannow, Scott. “Artist Biography.” allmusic.com. N.p., n.d. Web. “Celluloid Improvisations.” Celluloid Improvisations. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Sept. 2016. “Cootie Williams Biography.” bio.com A&E Networks Television, 1 Apr. 2014. Web. 09 Sept. 2016.
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