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
I'll Be Home For Christmas
Joe Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can plan on me
Please, have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
I'll be home for Christmas
You can plan on me
Please, have snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light gleams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
The classic Christmas song "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Joe Williams encompasses the longing and nostalgia of being unable to spend the holiday season with loved ones. The song expresses the singer's desire to be back with his family to celebrate Christmas. The first verse mentions traditional Christmas symbols such as snow, mistletoe, and presents under the tree, yet the singer acknowledges that the only place he will be physically present on Christmas Eve is in his dreams. The second verse repeats the desire to be surrounded by love and warmth, but again, the reality is that he can only be with his loved ones in spirit.
The somber tone of the song is attributed to the era in which it was written - during World War II when many soldiers and military personnel were unable to return home for the holidays. Consequently, the song became sentimental and melancholic amongst Americans who connected with the bittersweet reality of not being able to spend the most festive time of the year with their loved ones.
The song endured through the decades and became a Christmas classic. It has been covered by various artists, and its iconic melody and lyrics continue to evoke emotions among listeners as it reminds people of the importance of family, especially during the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be home for Christmas
I promise to be with you on Christmas Day
You can plan on me
You can rely on me to be there
Please, have snow and mistletoe
I hope your Christmas is filled with festive decorations like snow and mistletoe
And presents on the tree
I hope you have beautiful presents under the Christmas tree
Christmas Eve will find me
On Christmas Eve I will be somewhere
Where the love light gleams
Where there is warmth and love
I'll be home for Christmas
I promise to be with you on Christmas Day
If only in my dreams
If I can't physically be there, I will be there in my thoughts and dreams
Lyrics © GANNON & KENT MUSIC CO, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Buck Ram, Walter Kent, Kim Gannon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind