Douglas Williams was an American jazz clarinetist and bandleader best known for his contributions to the jazz scene, especially during the early 20th century. He hailed from Memphis, Tennessee. However, the details of Williams' birth remain uncertain, with no official records confirming whether he was born in Memphis or simply made the city his home during his career.
Career Douglas' first song was written in 1917. It was called "The Hooking Cow Blues." It is worth noting that W. C. Handy, the famous composer and musician, wrote the music.
In 1928, Douglas decided to step out on his own and form his very own jazz trio. He chose talented musicians to join him, including pianist Blaine Elliott and drummer Sam Sims. Their first recording session took place on January 31, 1928, in Memphis. During this session, they cut several tracks, including songs like "Slow Death" and "Roadhouse Stomp."
Seven months later, in August, Blaine Elliott would be replaced with Edgar Brown, with his first recording with the band being "Riverside Blues". Four days later, in September, Williams would start expanding the players in his band to four, with his brother, Nathaniel, playing the cornet in the band. The band name would change to "Douglas Williams Four". Their first recording as a quartet was "Kind Daddy". Blaine Elliot would also make a return, which would be his final recording with Williams. Six days later, Williams would perform with only Edgar Brown in the songs "Friendless Blues", "Baby Jane", Buddy George", and "Neal's Blues".
In 1929, Williams would add another person to the band, guitarist Mel Parker, and changing the band name to "Douglas Williams Orchestra". Their first recording as a quintet was called "Memphis Gal". The band would record 11 more records afterwards until 1930. Not much information about Williams has been recorded after that.
Playing style Williams played in a style reminiscent to Johnny Dodds, but having more of a "gas pipe" style playing, much like Fess Williams. A great example would be in the 1928 song "Slow Death".
Discography Williams recorded a total of 26 records between January 31, 1928, and June 5, 1930. +Discography (1928–1930)#Artist (credited on label)Song titleLabelMatrix numberRecording date1Harris and Harris"I Don't Care What You Say"VictorBVE-41811January 31, 19282Harris and Harris"That Same Cat"VictorBVE-41812January 31, 19283Douglas Williams"Slow Death"VictorBVE-41813January 31, 19284Douglas Williams"Roadhouse Stomp"VictorBVE-41814January 31, 19285Douglas Williams"Far Away Texas Blues"VictorBVE-41815January 31, 19286Thelma Lee and B. Smith"One Hour To-Night"VictorBVE-41816January 31, 19287Douglas Williams"Riverside StompVictorBVE-45466August 31, 19288Douglas Williams"Sister Ella"VictorBVE-45467August 31, 19289Douglas Williams Four"Kind Daddy"VictorBVE-45476September 4, 192810Douglas Williams Four"Late Hours"VictorBVE-45477September 4, 192811Douglas Williams"Friendless Blues"VictorBVE-47005September 10, 192812Douglas Williams"Baby Jane"VictorBVE-47006September 10, 192813Douglas Williams"Buddy George"VictorBVE-47049September 18, 192914Douglas Williams"Neal's Blues"VictorBVE-47050September 18, 192915Douglas Williams Orchestra"Memphis Gal"VictorBVE-55592September 26, 192916Douglas Williams Orchestra"Clarinet Jiggles"VictorBVE-55593September 26, 192917Douglas Williams Orchestra"Undertaker Blues"VictorBVE-55594September 26, 192918Douglas Williams Orchestra"P-Wee Strut"VictorBVE-55595September 26, 192919Douglas Williams Orchestra"The Beale Street Shiek"VictorBVE-56327October 2, 192920Douglas Williams Orchestra"Leaving Blues"VictorBVE-56328October 2, 192921Douglas Williams Orchestra"Thrill Me"VictorBVE-56329October 2, 192922Douglas Williams Orchestra"Don't Treat Me Like a Dog"VictorBVE-56330October 2, 192923Douglas Williams Orchestra"Louisiana Hop"VictorBVE-62585June 5, 193024Douglas Williams Orchestra"Three O'clock Blues"VictorBVE-62586June 5, 193025Douglas Williams Orchestra"Darktown Jubilee"VictorBVE-62587June 5, 193026Douglas Williams Orchestra"Russian Blues"VictorBVE-62588June 5, 1930
References
External links
Douglas Williams' recordings at the Discography of American Historical Recordings