Francis Williams

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Franc Williams: Live From The West End

by Daniel Gould
October 14, 2026

Jazz will always be considered a soloist's music, and most fans know all the important names. But when the big bands ruled and swing was king, those groups leaned on personnel who could swing the band: Section leaders, particularly trumpeters, with the power and technique to move the music and the dancers. Francis (Franc) Williams was one such musician. From his early boyhood friendship with Art Tatum, to his seven years spent with the Duke Ellington Orchestra (1945-1951), through his time ...