Clarence Williams grew up in a musical world. His musician father decided to
move the family to New Orleans. Clarence Williams started out as a singer,
before becoming a pianist and writing his first compositions. He performed as a
musician, but soon discovered an entrepreneurial spirit that made him a
"matchmaker" of talent. He began publishing compositions by some of the most
illustrious composers and performers of black American music, including King
Oliver, Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet. He became artistic director for the
Okeh label, which recruited in the early 20s to e...