Larry Williams

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See Larry Williams (trader) for the technical analyst and financial trader.

Lawrence E. Williams (May 10, 1935 – January 7, 1980) was an American rhythm and blues singer, songwriter and pianist from New Orleans, Louisiana. He is best known for writing and recording some Rock'n'Roll standards from 1957 to 1959 for Specialty Records, including "Bony Moronie" and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy" (see also: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll).

Several of his songs achieved later success as cover versions by The Beatles ("Bad Boy", "Slow Down", and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy"); The Rolling Stones ("She Said Yeah"); and John Lennon ("Bony Moronie" and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy").

Williams' first records were released by Specialty Records, as that label's biggest star, Little Richard, left Rock 'n' Roll in July 1957 to pursue the ministry. Groomed as Richard's successor, Williams' records had the same raw, piano-driven intensity, but his oddball lyrics, his voice and his whistling kept his work original.

Williams had been involved with underworld activity since his early teens, and had reputedly been a pimp before he ever recorded music. In the late 1950s his music career suffered a setback when he was arrested for dealing narcotics. However, Williams made a comeback in the mid-sixties with a band that included Johnny "Guitar" Watson. This period garnered fewer hits but produced some of his best and most original work. There was also a brief dalliance with disco in the seventies.

In 1980 Williams died from a gun-shot wound in his Los Angeles, California home.^{[citation needed]} The death was deemed suicide, though there was much speculation otherwise.^{[citation needed]} No suspects were ever arrested or charged.

[edit] Selective list of recorded cover versions

• Bony Moronie: Livin' Blues, John Lennon, Johnny Burnette , Dr. Feelgood , Flying Burrito Brothers , Johnny Winter, Little Richard , Paul Jones , Showaddywaddy , The Who , Jumpin' Gene Simmons , The Shadows, Ritchie Valens, Bill Haley & His Comets, The Creation, Bobby Comstock, Freddy Fender, Howie Casey and The Seniors, The Aztecs, The Rebel Rousers, The Standells, Electric Junkyard.

• Lawdy Miss Clawdy^[1]

• Bony Moronie, Spanish version as Popotitos: Mike Ríos con Los Relámpagos, Teen Tops, Alejandra Guzmán, Serú Girán, Luis Miguel, Dúo Dinámico, Ricky Martin

• Dizzy Miss Lizzy: John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band, The Beatles, New York Dolls, Flying Lizards

• She Said Yeah: The Rolling Stones, Animals, Engerling Blues Band (GDR) , Paul McCartney, Russ Ballard

• Slow Down: Alvin Lee , Blodwyn Pig , Episode Six , The Beatles, Gerry & the Pacemakers, Johnny Hallyday, The Jam, Brian May, The Young Rascals

• Short Fat Fannie: Little Richard, Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers, Ronnie Self, The Dovells

• Groovy Little Suzy: Little Richard

[edit] Notes

1. ^ Lawdy Miss Clawdy by Lloyd Price. Retrieved on November 3, 2006.

[edit] External links

• http://www.geocities.com/shakin_stacks/larrywilliams.txt
• http://tsimon.com/williams.htm
• Article with a picture at NNDB