Clarence Williams was a pianist who recorded prolifically, mostly as a sideman in the 1920s and into the 1930s. He started publishing music in 1915 and later supervised music for the race record section of Okeh records. As artist and repertoire (a & r) director, he sought out and promoted what became big name talent like Armstrong and Bechet. He eventually sold his catalogue to Decca. He also opened music stores in Chicago. Blues were big in the 1920s and Williams was a jazz entrepreneur who wrote songs, recorded as pianist, published songs, arranged recording sessions, sold records, and promoted … Continue reading Jazz Birthdays: Clarence Williams (1893) and Pepper Adams (1930)