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
Goin' to Chicago
Joe Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Sorry, I can't take you
Going to Chicago
Sorry, I can't take you
There's nothing in Chicago
That a man like you can do
When you see me coming
When you see me coming
Raise your window high
When you see me going
Baby, hang your head and cry
You're so mean and evil
You do things you shouldn't do
You're so mean and evil
You do things you shouldn't do
And you've got my brand of honey
Guess I'll have to put up with you
I was going to Chicago but
now I'm not sure if I want to go anymore. The singer of the song is telling someone they can't come with them because there's nothing for them in Chicago. They assert that the person they are speaking to is not fit for the big city because there's nothing a "man like you can do." Presumably, the intended meaning is that they don't have the skills or mental fortitude needed to make it in Chicago.
The lyrics become more personal in the second verse. The singer is apparently involved with someone who is jealous and possessive, warning them to "raise your window high" when they see him coming. The singer then switches to telling this person that they are "mean and evil" and do things they shouldn't do. Despite this, the singer still has feelings for this person, saying that they have their "brand of honey" and they will have to put up with them.
Overall, the lyrics seem to be a warning and a lament. The singer is going to Chicago to seek their fortune, but they are warning others that it's not a place for everybody. At the same time, they are expressing regret that they have to leave behind someone they care about, despite their flaws.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COUNT BASIE, JAMES RUSHING, JAMES ANDREW RUSHING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
CriticalListener
Nobody else could sing this song like Joe Williams--he owned it, pure and simple.
Sheila Bullock Smith
I listen to Joe Williams every day! His voice is amazing! Count Basie and Joe Williams, a match made in heaven, frfr.
Lorenzo Pastore
Great!!! One of the best voices ever! I have this live version (cannonball adderley at sax) on an old CD.... the intro is amazing, thank you for posting on YT
Jon Vanhala
one of the best live jazz albums. Cannonball's band at Fantasy Studios with Joe Williams. groovin' hard
Benny J. Reeves
Alright okey you win Joe williams
Peter Berry
Joe Williams tore the place up at the Newport Jazz Festival, 1962. I'll never forget.
jeffahearn
I just love Joes' timbre.........his stuff with Basie is also awesome.
Anibal Morel
Joe Monstruo Sagrado. Espero que estes iluminando el mas allá con tu voz.
Gypz S
now here...this is for real. Miss Joe Williams and THANK YOU for the GREAT music.
William Magliocco
Could you please tell us what album this was taken from? Thank you.
I think it is the among the BEST renditions of this song.