Legendary Bop Rhythm & Blues Classics

One of the most well known jazz and blues vocalists of the 20th Century, Joe William's expressive baritone first came into national prominence in the late 1930's fronting Jimmy Noone's band as featured vocalist. This led to live national radio broadcasts from Chicago dance halls which exposed William's remarkable voice to the nation and led to stints with the bands of Coleman Hawkins, Lionel Hampton and Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy. From 1951 to 1953, Williams made some classic recordings with the Red Saunders band in Chicago, which led to his big break in 1954 when he was asked to join Count Basie's famous orchestra. The vintage sides presented here were recorded in Chicago in 1953 with the Red Saunders band and feature arrangements by Sonny Blount, better known as Sun Ra. All selections newly remastered.