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
Kansas City
Joe Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kansas City here I come
I'm going to Kansas City
Kansas City here I come
They got a crazy way of loving there and I'm gonna get me one
I'm gonna be standing on the corner
12th Street and Vine
12th Street and Vine
With my Kansas City baby and a bottle of Kansas City wine
Well, I might take a plane; I might take a train
But if I have to walk, I'm going just the same
I'm going to Kansas City
Kansas City here I come
They got some crazy little women there and I'm gonna get me one
The lyrics to Joe Williams's song "Kansas City" provide a vivid image of someone on a journey to the city of Kansas. The repetition of the phrase "Kansas City here I come" emphasizes the singer's excitement and anticipation as he prepares to enter into the new and exciting city. The lyrics also suggest that the people of Kansas City have a unique and notable way of loving, which the singer is eager to experience for himself.
Furthermore, the lyrics describe the singer standing on the corner of 12th Street and Vine with his Kansas City baby and a bottle of Kansas City wine, painting a picture of a romantic and enjoyable night out in the city. The use of a specific location adds to the authenticity and realness of the song. Finally, the lyrics describe the singer's determination to reach Kansas City, no matter what mode of transportation he has to take. This sense of determination and ambition adds a layer of depth to the lyrics, suggesting that the singer is not simply taking a leisurely trip, but rather pursuing his desires with passion and fervor.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm going to Kansas City
I am planning to head to Kansas City for the purpose of finding myself a special someone, and for other activities which are popular or held in high esteem there.
Kansas City here I come
I eagerly anticipate my arrival in Kansas City, and the excitement that awaits me there.
They got a crazy way of loving there and I'm gonna get me one
The way in which individuals express love and affection in Kansas City is known to be unconventional, yet I intend to experience it for myself by finding a partner.
I'm gonna be standing on the corner
I plan to stand on the street corner, specifically on 12th Street and Vine, in order to observe and potentially interact with locals.
With my Kansas City baby and a bottle of Kansas City wine
I will have found a special someone native to this city, and we will enjoy each other's company over a bottle of wine locally produced in Kansas City.
Well, I might take a plane; I might take a train
I have not yet decided on the mode of transportation I will use to make the journey, and have considered alternatives such as a plane or train.
But if I have to walk, I'm going just the same
Regardless of the mode of transportation I end up taking, I am committed to making the journey to Kansas City and will go even if it means walking there.
They got some crazy little women there and I'm gonna get me one
Once again, I am drawn to the non-traditional nature of romantic relationships in Kansas City, and intend to find a unique and special female partner to fall in love with.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind