Trumpeter Charles Williams – born July 10, 1911 in Mobile, Alabama – was better
known by his nickname Cootie. Best known as a member of Duke Ellington’s
orchestra, Williams specialized in several musical styles including traditional
American jazz, rhythm & blues, and jump blues. His musical journey began at the
age of 14 when he performed with The Young Family, a group that featured tenor
saxophonist Lester Young. Relocating to New York in 1928, he made his first
recordings with pianist James P. Johnson and played with bands led by Fletcher
Henderson and Chick Webb. In 1929, he j...