Died On This Date (March 6, 2009) David Williams / Acclaimed Session Guitarist
themusicsover David Williams
November 21, 1950 – March 6, 2009
David Williams was one of pop music’s most in-demand session rhythm guitarist since the ’80s. Playing guitar since he was a teenager, Williams’ big break came when he was hired to play on Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall album. For the next several years he played on other Jackson family albums, including Michael’s Thriller, where his familiar guitar parts are featured on “Billie Jean.” Over the course of his highly successful career, Williams either recorded or toured with, to name just a small portion, Madonna, Rod Stewart, Bryan Ferry, Paul McCartney, Lionel Richie, Jessica Simpson, Genesis, and Diana Ross. His guitar work was such in demand, that he is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the guitarist who appears on the most #1 hit records in the world. David Williams was 58 when he died of a heart attack on March 6, 2009.
During a career that spanned over 50 years, Bob Greenberg held executive posts at Warner Bros., United Artists, Mirage and Atlantic Records. While at these labels, he helped build the careeres of such legendary artists as Led Zeppelin, Whitesnake, AC/DC, Genesis, Aretha Franklin and the Rolling Stones. Greenberg suffered a stroke on September 10, 2009 and died as a result the next day.