| Dootsie Williams | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Walter Dootsie Williams |
| Born | June 17, 1911 |
| Origin | Alabama |
| Died | August 21, 1991 (aged 80) |
| Genres | Comedy, Doo-wop, gospel |
| Occupations | Record executive, record producer, band leader |
| Years active | 1940s–1975 |
| Labels | Dooto, Dootone |
| Associated acts | Redd Foxx The Penguins Papa John Creach |
Dootsie Williams is an American record producer, and record label owner who released early records by Redd Foxx and The Penguins.
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Walter Dootsie Williams was born in Alabama on June 17, 1911.[1]
Williams was a leader of the Harlem Dukes band in the 1940s. While performing at gigs, he came up with the idea to record other artists.[2]
In 1949, Williams founded the Blue Records label. Two years later he changed the name to Dootone. One of the first artists he recorded on Dootone was a violinist named Johnny Creach, who years later would become popular at Woodstock as Papa John Creach.[3]
In 1954, he recorded a local group called The Penguins, who would have a huge hit with "Earth Angel."[3]
While the label would record a wide variety of music, it would be best known for a series of comedy recordings by Redd Foxx.[4] Williams saw the comedian perform at the Brass Rail, a local Los Angeles nightclub, and signed Foxx to a recording contract. Laff of the Party, the first of many albums that Foxx recorded for Williams, became a cult favorite and helped establish him as a national star.[5]
Williams died in Los Angeles on August 21, 1991.[1]