10 Facts About Fess Williams

Fess Williams received his formal education from N Clark-Smith at Tuskegee University.

The flamboyant Williams typically performed wearing a diamond-studded white suit and top hat.

In 1928, Fess Williams traveled to Chicago where he temporarily fronted Dave Peyton's band at the Regal Theatre.

Fess Williams remained active as a bandleader, but as the decade progressed his sound became outdated.

Fess Williams fell out of favor with the public and eventually retired from performing full-time to sell real estate.

Fess Williams continued to lead bands periodically during the 1940s and beyond.

Fess Williams played in a style reminiscent of Ted Lewis, only less smoothly.

Fess Williams specialized in the style of Gas Pipe Clarinet which is when the instrument is used to produce all kinds of honks, growls, squeaks and effects that sounded like animal noises, laughter or other sounds you would not expect to hear from a clarinet.

Fess Williams was a fine exponent of slap tonguing, and utilized circular breathing.

Fess Williams was the uncle of the double bassist Charles Mingus who, in 1962, brought Williams back into the spotlight briefly as a guest for the Town Hall concert.