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
What's New
Joe Williams Lyrics
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How is the world treating you?
You haven't changed a bit
Handsome as ever I must admit
What's new?
How did that romance come through?
We haven't met since then
What's new?
Probably I'm boring you
But seeing you is grand
And you were sweet to offer your hand
I understand
Adieu
Pardon my asking what's new
Of course you couldn't know
I haven't changed
I still love you so
Adieu
Pardon my asking what's new
Of course you couldn't know
I haven't changed
I still love you so
In Joe Williams’ song ‘What’s New,’ the lyrics revolve around two former lovers who have not seen each other in some time. The song starts with the singer asking, “what’s new? How is the world treating you?” suggesting that the two have not seen each other in some time. The singer then goes on to say, “you haven’t changed a bit…handsome as ever I must admit” indicating that the singer still finds the other person attractive and appealing.
The singer continues to ask, “how did that romance come through? We haven't met since then...gee, but it's nice to see you again.” These lyrics suggest that the two former lovers had some sort of relationship in the past, and the singer is interested in catching up on what has happened since then. The lyrics continue to express the singer’s admiration for the other person and their excitement at seeing them again.
The song ends with the line, “I haven't changed, I still love you so,” indicating that the singer still has deep feelings for the other person. The lyrics throughout the song express a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past, showcasing the timeless sentiment of love and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
What's new?
What has happened in your life since we last saw each other?
How is the world treating you?
Are you happy and content with your life?
You haven't changed a bit
You are still as wonderful as the last time we met.
Handsome as ever I must admit
You still look great, and I am attracted to you.
How did that romance come through?
What happened with your love life since we last spoke about it?
We haven't met since then
We have not seen each other since the last time we spoke.
Gee, but it's nice to see you again
It is great to see you after so long.
Probably I'm boring you
I understand if my questions are dull and uninteresting.
But seeing you is grand
It is wonderful to be in your presence.
And you were sweet to offer your hand
I appreciate that you reached out to me warmly.
I understand
I comprehend that you might not have all the answers now.
Adieu
Goodbye (in a formal way).
Pardon my asking what's new
Forgive me for inquiring about the recent happenings of your life.
Of course you couldn't know
I understand that you had no way of knowing what I was going to ask.
I haven't changed
My feelings for you have not changed since the last time we spoke.
I still love you so
I am still deeply in love with you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHNNY BURKE, BOB HAGGART
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind