February 27, 1941 – June 4, 2026

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Bassist John B. Williams passed away on June 4, 2026 at the age of 85.

He was born on Feb. 27, 1941 in New York City.

Williams originally studied drums and percussion, switching to bass while serving in the Marines.

He studied with Ron Carter and was a member of the Horace Silver Quintet during 1967-69.

Williams worked with many jazz greats throughout his career including Mose Allison, Roy Ayers, Dizzy Gillespie, the Bobby Hutcherson-Harold Land group, Zoot Sims, Clark Terry, Benny Carter, Billy Cobham, and Doug MacDonald, in addition to leading three albums of his own.

The bassist was a member of the Tonight Show orchestra in the 1970s, played with pianist Michael Wolff in a regular trio during 1978-83, had a long association with Nancy Wilson, and was in the Arsenio Hall Show’s band during 1989-93 in addition to being a regular fixture in Los Angeles area clubs.

Here is John B. Williams in 2098, jamming Cole Porter’s “I Love You” with guitarist Mordy Ferber and drummer Danny Gottlieb.

-Scott Yanow

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