This was taken in San Francisco, late 1990s, at the Verve Record Party. Not the usual gig photos I post.
Joe Williams had the most perfect velvet voice and sang with (among others) The Count Basie Orchestra. His “Here’s To Life” CD is one of my most treasured.
Joe was almost 80 here. You never would have guessed because he was big and strong and his posture was perfect. He laughed all the time. He was young at heart, strong of body, and kind beyond words. It was a bacterial infection that took Joe VERY suddenly, and then Joe’s best friend Robert Goulet, shortly followed.
Joe’s death was the only time I ever had to close the office. I just couldn’t cope with this strong, healthy, happy and wonderful man being struck from the earth. It can still make me cry.
LISTEN TO JOE WILLIAMS TODAY TO HONOUR HIS LIFE!