Cootie Williams

American jazz trumpet player; born July 10, 1911 in Mobile, Alabama, USA, died September 15, 1985 in New York City, New York, USA

Williams began his career with the Young family band, which included [a=Lester Young], when he was aged 14. A member of the orchestra of [a=Duke Ellington] from 1929, he replaced [a=Bubber Miley] whose 'growl' technique he expanded. He was succeeded by [a=Ray Nance] in 1940 when Williams joined [a=Benny Goodman], remaining with Goodman for a year. During the 1940s, he led his own orchestra, with both [a=Thelonious Monk] and [a=Bud Powell] hired as the pianist during this period. Williams rejoined Ellington in 1962 remaining until 1974.