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
Yours Is My Heart Alone
Joe Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And without you, life holds no charm
Yours every thought I own
Our love the theme of every dream
All that makes life seem worthwhile
Dwells in your eyes and the spell of your smile
There is no song half so sweet to me
As your voice whispering I love you dear
The song "Yours is My Heart Alone" by Joe Williams captures the essence of a deep and pure love. The lyrics convey the idea that the singer's heart belongs to someone else, and without the other person, life holds no charm. The captivating melody adds to the feelings of the lyrics, creating a romantic yet powerful tune.
"Yours every thought I own" shows that the singer's love interest has captured their mind and heart completely. The love shared between the two individuals is apparent in the lyrics as the theme of every dream is their love. This is reiterated when the lyrics state that all that makes life seem worthwhile dwells in the loved one's eyes and the spell of their smile. This deep romantic connection between two people is what makes life complete.
Line by Line Meaning
Yours is my heart alone
My heart belongs to you and you alone, it beats for you only.
And without you, life holds no charm
Life without you is mundane, unappealing and meaningless.
Yours every thought I own
Your every thought is mine to possess, to cherish and to keep as a precious treasure.
Our love the theme of every dream
Our love sets the tone, captures the essence and inspires every dream I have.
All that makes life seem worthwhile
Everything that gives life meaning and purpose is embodied in you.
Dwells in your eyes and the spell of your smile
Your eyes and your smile have a magic and charisma that infuses my life with beauty and wonder.
There is no song half so sweet to me
No other melody or tune can touch my soul and heart as much as the sound of your voice.
As your voice whispering I love you dear
The sound of your voice whispering 'I love you dear' lights up my life and fills my heart with joy.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY B. SMITH, FRANZ LEHAR, LUDWIG HERZER, FRITZ LOEHNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind