LyricFind Logo
LyricFind Logo
Profile image icon
Dynamic cover art

Cootie Williams

Trumpeter Charles Williams – born July 10, 1911 in Mobile, Alabama – was better known by his nickname Cootie. Best known as a member of Duke Ellington’s orchestra, Williams specialized in several musical styles including traditional American jazz, rhythm & blues, and jump blues. His musical journey began at the age of 14 when he performed with The Young Family, a group that featured tenor saxophonist Lester Young. Relocating to New York in 1928, he made his first recordings with pianist James P. Johnson and played with bands led by Fletcher Henderson and Chick Webb. In 1929, he j...