• Music

Charles “Cootie” Williams

b. 1911- d. 1985

Born Charles Melvin Williams, trumpeter “Cootie” Williams was born in Mobile, AL in 1911. By 1929 he was touring with Duke Ellington’s band, a position he kept through the 1930s. In 1940, Williams had his own band to tour with, and he made his first appearance in Providence at the Celebrity Club in September of 1950. Williams would play sporadically throughout the 50s and 60s.

–written by Lydia Kelow-Bennett

Image Source (Top): William P. Gottleib - Portrait of Cootie Williams, New York, N.Y.(?), between 1938 and 1948 - 1938-1948

1950

Cootie Williams at Celebrity Club

In September of 1950, Celebrity Club signed Cootie Williams to inaugurate their "name" band policy. He was one of the first major performers at the Celebrity Club.

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