He was born Joseph Goreed in Cordele, Georgia and moved to Chicago as a child. He was raised by his mother and grandmother. He grew on the south side of Chicago, surrounded by jazz, blues, and gospel music. In the 1930s, as a teenager, he was a member of "The Jubilee Boys" and performed in Chicago churches.
He worked as a singer and bouncer in Chicago in the late 1930s and early 1940s. In 1943, he was hired by the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. He toured with Hampton for several years but never achieved breakthrough success.
He rose to national prominence as the singer for Count Basie's Orchestra in 1954. He remained with Basie for several years. "Everyday I have the Blues" is his biggest hit.
After leaving the Basie band, Williams continued to have a successful career working with his own jazz combo. He and Basie remained on good terms and he would regularly appear with the band.
Bill Cosby cast Williams as his father-in-law "Grandpa Al" Hanks in a recurring role on the 1980s sit-com The Cosby Show.
Williams enjoyed a successful career and worked regularly until his death. He died at age 80, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Joe Williams shares a birthday with Frank Sinatra who was also born Dec. 12, three years before Williams
Christmas Waltz
Joe Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Candles gleaming inside
Painted candy canes on the tree
Santa's on his way
He's filled his sleigh with things
Things for you and for me
It's that time of yearWhen the world falls in love
Every song you hear
Seems to say
Merry Christmas
May your New Year dreams come true
And this song of mine
In three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours
The same thing too
(It's that time of year
When the world falls in love
Every song you hear seems to say)
Merry Christmas
May your New Year dreams come true
And this song of mine
In three-quarter time
Wishes you and yours
The same thing too
The lyrics to Joe Williams's "Christmas Waltz" evoke the familiar sights and sounds of the holiday season. The opening lines paint a picturesque scene of frosted window panes and candles glowing inside while painted candy canes adorn the Christmas tree. These details create a warm sense of nostalgia and conjure up memories of past holiday celebrations. The mention of Santa's sleigh filled with gifts for both "you and me" also highlights the spirit of generosity and giving that is so central to the holiday season.
The lyrics then transition to a broader reflection on the season as a whole. The repetition of "It's that time of year" emphasizes the specialness and singularity of the holiday season. The phrase "when the world falls in love" suggests a collective feeling of warmth and togetherness that permeates the atmosphere during this time. The lyrics go on to acknowledge the ubiquity of joyful holiday music and the sentiment of goodwill that is woven throughout each song. The final lines of the song offer a simple yet powerful wish for listeners: that they may experience a Merry Christmas and that their New Year's dreams come true. This message, delivered with the gentle countenance of a waltz, amplifies the coziness and comfort of the song and leaves one feeling uplifted and hopeful.
Line by Line Meaning
Frosted window panes
The windows are coated with frost due to the cold outside
Candles gleaming inside
The candles inside are giving off a warm glow, creating a cozy atmosphere
Painted candy canes on the tree
There are candy canes that are painted and hung from the tree as part of the decorations
Santa's on his way
Santa Claus is coming soon to deliver presents to children around the world
He's filled his sleigh with things
The sleigh is carrying presents for all the good boys and girls
Things for you and for me
The presents are for everyone to enjoy, not just a select few
It's that time of year
The holiday season has arrived
When the world falls in love
It's a time when people feel more connected to each other and show acts of kindness and generosity
Every song you hear
The holiday spirit is permeating every aspect of life, including the music
Seems to say
The music is conveying a message of well wishes and joy
Merry Christmas
A common greeting during the holiday season, wishing people a happy celebration
May your New Year dreams come true
Hope that people's aspirations and goals for the upcoming year will be achieved
And this song of mine
This particular song that Joe Williams is singing
In three-quarter time
The song has a waltz rhythm, corresponding to the time signature of three quarter notes per measure
Wishes you and yours
Joe Williams is sending his own wishes to everyone listening to the song and their loved ones
The same thing too
He's wishing for everyone to have a merry Christmas and fulfilling New Year, just like the other holiday songs
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind