Biography Sandy Williams

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.

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.

Select discography

With Ella Fitzgerald

Something To Live Fore (Verve)

Swingstation w/ Chick Webb (GRP)

With Rex Stewart

Ellingtonia (Dial)

Rex Stewart And His Orchestra (Plaza)

I'm The Luckiest Fool (Blue Star)

With Sidney Bechet

Sidney Bechet and His New Orleans Feetwarmers (Bluebird)

With Various Artists

Giants Of Small-Band Swing, Vols. 1 & 2 (Riverside)

The Complete H.R.S. Sessions (Mosaic)

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