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
Roll 'Em Pete
Joe Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She lives up on the hill
Well, I got a gal
She lives up on the hill
Well, this woman's tryin' to quit me, Lord
But I love her still
She's got eyes like diamonds
She's got eyes like diamonds
They shine like Klondike gold
Every time she loves me
She sends my mellow soul
Well, you're so beautiful
You've got to die someday
Well, you're so beautiful
You've got to die someday
All I want's a little loving
Just before you pass away
Pretty baby, I'm goin' away
And leave you by yourself
Pretty baby, I'm goin' away
And leave you by yourself
You've mistreated me
Now you can mistreat somebody else
The lyrics of Joe WIlliams's "Roll 'em Pete" are about a man who loves a woman who is trying to leave him. He sings about how beautiful she is, with eyes that shine like Klondike gold. He is aware that she is going to die someday and all he wants is a little love from her before that happens. Ultimately, he decides to leave her because she has mistreated him.
The song is written in a style that is typical of the blues, with a call-and-response structure and a repeating melody. The lyrics are simple and direct, conveying the singer's emotions in a powerful way. The song is full of sexual innuendo, with references to diamonds, gold, and mellow souls.
"Roll 'em Pete" was first recorded in 1938 by Big Joe Turner and pianist Pete Johnson. The song became a hit and popularized the boogie-woogie style of piano playing. Joe Williams recorded his version of the song in 1954 with the Count Basie Orchestra.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I got a gal
I have a girl I'm in a relationship with
She lives up on the hill
She lives far away from me
Well, this woman's tryin' to quit me, Lord
My girlfriend is trying to break up with me
But I love her still
But I still have feelings for her
She's got eyes like diamonds
My girlfriend has beautiful, sparkling eyes
They shine like Klondike gold
Her eyes are as bright as the gold found during the Klondike Gold Rush
Every time she loves me
Whenever she shows me affection
She sends my mellow soul
It brings me happiness and contentment
Well, you're so beautiful
You are incredibly beautiful
You've got to die someday
However, like all living things, you will eventually die
All I want's a little loving
All I ask for is a little love and affection
Just before you pass away
Before you leave this world
Pretty baby, I'm goin' away
I'm leaving you, my dear
And leave you by yourself
You'll be alone without me
You've mistreated me
You treated me poorly during our relationship
Now you can mistreat somebody else
Now you will have to treat someone else badly
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Joe Turner, Pete K. H. Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@raymondgill9796
So much more to these guys than their work on triangle with the Bonzos.
@kevinlowry3814
I had lunch with Joe in Vegas in ‘95.What a guy!
@kevingoins9858
The Count, Big Joe and a swingin' orchestra! Go guys go!
@johnjensen4984
Nummer one son ✊
Basie world Best Big band. 👏👏👏👏👏
@debrathompson4319
Man, do I miss them. Such wonderful music and that JW voice, nothing like it or him. He was a good friend in the 60’s and 70’s.
@joeemick1891
Love this guy an American icon
@mikebarat1950
Count Basie looks really relax playing that piano.
@FawleyJude
I love hearing Joe Williams singing the blues.
That's Sonny Payne on drums, one of the reasons the band swung so hard.
@jamescarey
Frank Wess on Flute. Is that Freddy Green on guitar??
@jamescarey
Man can they cook or what?