Died On This Date (September 15, 1985) Cootie Williams / Jazz Great

By themusicsover September 15, 2009 #Benny Goodman, #Bud Powell, #Charlie Parker, #Cootie Williams, #Duke Ellington, #Eddie Lockjaw Davis, #Lester Young, #Wynton Marsalis, #Young Family Band

Charles “Cootie” Williams
July 24, 1910 – September 15, 1985

Cootie Williams is considered by many to be the greatest jazz trumpeter of the 1930s. His career began at age 14 when he played alongside saxophonist Lester Young in the Young Family Band. Williams went on to play in Duke Ellington’s orchestra and later, Benny Goodman’s. He formed his own orchestra in 1941, giving a home to such future legends as Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Charlie Parker, and Bud Powell. Williams’ style of trumpet playing was labeled “jungle,” and he was one of the best at it. And he used a plunger as a mute, influencing the likes of Wynton Marsalis. Cootie Williams passed away at the age of 75.