Clarence Williams Sr.

About

Jazz artist and entrepreneur who produced early recordings by Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Irene Scruggs, among others.

Before Fame

His early years were spent performing odd jobs like shining shoes, but by 1910, he was making a name for himself in New Orleans.

Trivia

He and Armand J. Piron, a violinist and bandleader, founded the leading African-American-owned music publishing company of the 1920s.

Family Life

He married Eva Taylor, a famous blues singer, stage actress, and collaborator, in 1921.

Associated With

He and W.C. Handy toured together for a brief period of time.