The great jazz singer Joe Williams was found dead Monday night a few blocks
from the hospital he was registered at. He was 80.
Yeah, not much twang here, but the man was a great performer. He was one of
my mother's favorite singers. His work with Count Basie during the 50s was
fantastic to say the least. For Mothers Day last year, I took my mom to see
JW and George Shearing at a special show here in Detroit. Front row seats, it
was one of the best shows that I have ever seen. He belted out his standards
like they were his lifeblood. His voice will be greatly missed in the jazz
scene, and in my heart.
Mitch Matthews
Gravel Train/Sunken Road
