Performance · Other credits

Cootie Williams

real name Charles Melvin Williams

Mobile, United States

Cootie Williams is credited on 4,529 releases across 1,312 albums tracked on Gatefold, active 1950–2026 — the collector-built map of who actually made the music.

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Photo of Cootie Williams

4,529

Credits

1,312

Albums

8

Decades active

484

In collections

Biography

source

Showing the Discogs bio

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

Bio from Discogs

Credited work

4,529 releases · 1,312 albums · active 1950–2026

  • Performance · 6,126
  • Other credits · 645

Studios: Reeves Sound Studios · Carnegie Hall · National Recording Studios, New York City · Studio 44 (2)

Discography

Records they worked on — most-collected first.

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