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

Founded in 1949 by Paul Filippi, the Celebrity Club was not just the first integrated club in Providence. It was also the first integrated club in all of New England. While the Celebrity Club was closed in the early 60s, it made an indelible mark on the Providence arts scene, and made Providence a major New England destination for many Black artists and performers. --written by Lydia Kelow-Bennett