Joe Williams (jazz singer)

This article is about the jazz singer. For the Delta blues singer, see Big Joe Williams. For other people named Joe Williams, see Joe Williams (disambiguation).

Joe Williams
Williams in 1997
Williams in 1997
Background information
Birth nameJoseph Goreed
Born(1918-12-12)December 12, 1918
Cordele, Georgia, U.S.
DiedMarch 29, 1999(1999-03-29) (aged 80)
Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
GenresJazz, blues, swing, traditional pop
OccupationSinger
Years active1937–1998
LabelsRoulette, RCA Victor, Verve, Telarc

Joe Williams (born Joseph Goreed; December 12, 1918 – March 29, 1999) was an American jazz singer. He sang with big bands, such as the Count Basie Orchestra and the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, and with small combos. He sang in two films with the Basie orchestra and sometimes worked as an actor.