Mike Williams (6)

born: Shreveport, Louisiana July 30, 1957 Mike Williams is an American jazz and big band trumpeter. He is most noted as the lead trumpeter for the Count Basie Orchestra for more than 21 years. As a member of the Basie Band, he has performed in all 50 states and 40 countries with such notable names as Dizzy Gillespie, Billy Eckstine, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Tony Bennett and Diane Schuur. He also performs and records with other noted jazz groups, including Charles Tolliver Big Band and has played trumpet for several years with the 156th Army Band. When off the road, Mike teaches privately and performs as guest soloist and clinician with universities and high schools across the nation.