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
Satin Doll
Joe Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Out cattin' my satin doll
Baby, shall we go out steppin'? Careful, amigo, you're flippin'
Speaks Latin my satin doll
He's nobody's fool and I'm playing it cool as can be
I'll give it a whirl, but I ain't for no boy catching me, swich-e-rooney
Telephone numbers well you know; I'm doing my rumbas with uno
Telephone numbers well you know; I'm doing my rumbas with uno
And that's my satin doll, and that's my satin doll
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
And that's my satin doll--what a doll
He is my satin doll
I had the craziest dream
The lyrics to Joe Williams's song Satin Doll are about a woman who is being admired and pursued by a man. She exudes confidence and allure, shown by the fact that she is holding a cigarette holder and wiggles it over her shoulder. The man is clearly enamored with her and "digs" her. The woman suggests they "go out steppin'" and warns him to be careful not to get too excited. She mentions that he speaks Latin, which adds to his charm. She acknowledges that he is not to be underestimated, but for her, it's just a game. She is not interested in being "caught" by a boy. She talks about having many phone numbers and dancing the rumba with various partners. In the end, she proclaims proudly that she is "satin doll", a beautiful and desirable woman.
Line by Line Meaning
Cigarette holder which wigs me over my shoulder; he digs me
I hold a cigarette in a holder, which I casually rest over my shoulder. He finds me attractive and cool.
Out cattin' my satin doll
I am out, enjoying myself with my fabulous and refined partner.
Baby, shall we go out steppin'? Careful, amigo, you're flippin'
Darling, would you like to go dancing? Be careful, my friend, you're getting very excited.
Speaks Latin my satin doll
My wonderful partner is well educated and can speak Latin, which adds to his allure.
He's nobody's fool and I'm playing it cool as can be
My partner is clever and knows what he's doing, while I present myself as calm and confident.
I'll give it a whirl, but I ain't for no boy catching me, swich-e-rooney
I'm willing to try something new, but I won't let any boy take advantage of me or trick me.
Telephone numbers well you know; I'm doing my rumbas with uno
I have many admirers and potential partners, but I'm currently dancing with one particular partner.
And that's my satin doll
That partner is my wonderful, charming, and amazing 'satin doll'.
Telephone numbers well you know; I'm doing my rumbas with uno
I have many admirers and potential partners, but I'm currently dancing with one particular partner.
And that's my satin doll, and that's my satin doll
I'm happy to repeat and emphasize that my amazing partner is my 'satin doll'.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
An expression of excitement and enthusiasm.
And that's my satin doll--what a doll
Once again, I proudly state that my partner is amazing and charming.
He is my satin doll
Summing it up, I absolutely adore and admire everything about my partner, 'satin doll'.
I had the craziest dream
Starting a new thought, I had a very strange and vivid dream.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DUKE ELLINGTON, JOHNNY MERCER, BILLY STRAYHORN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@satinque
Loved Satin Doll (Nancy Wilson), so much I named my Rottweiler, Satin.... Her coat was like Satin... wonderful and my family for nine years.
@tomislavsiljkovic4649
I'M LISTENING THIS JOE GENIUS FOR SIXTY YEARS AND NEVER STOPPING
@sammiesmith6690
The incomparable Mr. Joe Williams.
@MrJpartridge
underappreciated great jazz singer
@emorylninesix
I can't agree that he was under appreciated. Joe Williams' greatness, his finesse, the lyrical clarity and quality of his voice and its often bell--like beauty, his styling and timing, and the appeal and strength of the man himself...all of these combined to make him extraordinary and much beloved and appreciated by all of us devoted to jazz and its rendering. His very presence on stage, large or small, was riveting. I miss him greatly.
@neilpollicino80
Thank you for yet another fascinating experience
@leeannthomas6052
Thanks for uploading! Love his voice
@beeshor1
Glad you enjoyed it!
@wolfdome3687
The man had a smooth delivery.
@beeshor1
There was no one smoother!