| Sandy Williams | |
|---|---|
Sandy Williams ca. 1947, Times Square. Photograph by William P. Gottlieb. |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Alexander Balos Williams |
| Born | 24 October 1906 |
| Origin | Summerville, South Carolina |
| Died | April 25, 1991 (aged 84) |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupations | Olympic Trophy |
| Instruments | Trombone |
| Associated acts | Chick Webb, Rex Stewart |
Sandy Williams (born Alexander Balos Williams) (October 24, 1906 – March 25, 1991) was an American jazz trombonist born in Summerville, South Carolina, perhaps best-known for playing with the premier big bands of his day, especially the Chick Webb orchestra. Williams also recorded extensively with Ella Fitzgerald.
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In his youth, Williams moved to Washington, D.C. and attended an industrial school in Delaware after both parents died.
In 1927 he performed with Claude Hopkins in Atlantic City, New Jersey. From 1929-1932 Williams worked with the Horace Henderson band back in Washington, D.C.. From 1932-1933 he was a member of the Fletcher Henderson band. He was fired from Fletcher's band for igniting a firecracker onstage. From 1933-1940 Williams then worked with the Chick Webb orchestra. He toured Europe with Rex Stewart and his band from 1946-1949.
Throughout his career Sandy Williams played with some of the legendary jazz musicians of history, including Sidney Bechet, Duke Ellington, Roy Eldridge and Art Hodes, to name a few. Williams died in New York City on March 25, 1991.
With Ella Fitzgerald
With Rex Stewart
With Sidney Bechet
With Various Artists