Joe Williams sings "Here's To Life"

Joe Williams singing "Here's To Life"

[@lawrencegenereux8567]

In the 1980's, I played guitar in a standards/jazz band in NY State. We were playing a Fri/Sat gig at a Holiday Inn. One night, the leader walked up to me on a break, and said "We have a guest staying at the hotel who'd like to sing a few songs on the next set". I'm thinking, OK, another drunk trying to impress some woman. We went back on, and up walks Joe Williams. He sang three songs. Backing that man on stage, standing less than two feet from where I was playing, was like shaking hands with God. AMAZING voice, phenomenal stage presence, and unbelievably humble. And sitting at his table was one of the most elegant, beautiful women I have ever seen. Truly, Joe Williams had it ALL, and he deserved every bit of it.

[@alexwarner6111]

Lawrence Genereux a memory to cherish forever, no matter what else happens in your life.

[@catherineshaw1122]

That would be his wife Jill, she was pure magic, too. I adored them both.

[@PabluchoViision]

Yes, a memory to carry through life. If I were you, I would write it up... What you shared here is terrific--thank you for that!--but I really would urge you to close your eyes, think, and write down everything about that experience. Who was in your band, what stage of your life it was, what you guys played, some of the other typical sit-in's you guys would have, and then every last thing you can recall about Joe Williams's three tunes with you. Including (if you can remember) what songs he sang. This would be a fascinating essay, that many people would enjoy reading... and in the process of writing it, you would likely recover many thoughts and memories of an earlier time in your life, things you had forgotten but that you would realize have stayed with you.

[@susandhifaoui]

wow. thanks for sharing your story. Nice memory.

[@DavidHoffmanTrumpet]

Great story

[@rodk886]

I’m chef and had the pleasure of cooking for Mr. Joe and his wife. What a true hero in kindness and good..

[@reneemorris7197]

Joe Williams a gift from the Gods

[@CutiesRamen]

And the great Joe Williams delivered.

[@ianadams5260]

As a young boy of 12 years old and lady was moving in and I was raised to always help people. It was Joe's wife Jillian (Jill), I met Joe approximately 2 weeks later, and we struck up a friendship, that was really a mentorship. We would walk the neighborhood and chip golfballs, Joe loved golf. He would talk about life and music. As I grew older I always made sure I got to see him around the holisays, and my young kids got to met Joe and Jill, and spend time with them. He was such a great man, treated everyone with so much respect. I had no idea for many years how famous and popular he was. He was just this incredible person and grandfather type to me. I think of him often, and always smile. Good people like he and Jill are rare in this world.. I am grateful I was able to know them both. My life is much better because of them.

[@catherineshaw1122]

This was so moving to read. My stepfather was Joe's guitarist for a long time, when I was a growing up. At 18 I went on a jazz cruise they were playing on and got to spend time with Joe and Jill and saw why my stepdad adored them so. Joe was like a father to him, he lived being a mentor and teacher. He convinced my stepdad that he could sing if he practiced, and then started to have Henry sing a song or two during his sets. Just an extraordinary human being, and he and Jill were magic together. The world is a richer place for them having been here.

[@tocino415]

Cried and loved it 😭😍

[@terrymichelsen3906]

I saw Joe Williams in Chicago just before he died. Here's to Life is my favorite song. God I miss him.

[@catherineshaw1122]

I believe my stepdad was playing guitar for him then, he always did, and we live in Chicago. Joe must have gone back to Vegas from here since he died there. My poor stepdad was beside himself, Joe was like a second father to him. Just an amazing human being.

[@CutiesRamen]

The lyricist knocked this out of the ballpark.

[@steinmanndean2022]

Lyricist, Phyllis Molinary, sure did‼️ Articulates my sentiments to a tee 👌🏿

[@reneemorris7197]

One of the highlights of my life was to see Mr. Williams sing in person.

[@fatcatchet]

I saw him twice,once at the Blue Note...He did this song both times,made me cry...He was a true pro and could sing Jazz,Blues and balads...a real Musician!Thanks for posting this.

[@MsAgentprovocateur10]

I used to fall asleep at night listening to Shirley Horne's version when I was a student in college. I borrowed the CD from a friend-- it was months before I returned it! This is the first time I'm hearing Joe Williams' rendition but I've always loved his voice so I anticipate his version being equally poignant.

[@cellosong]

This made me cry it was so moving. One of the first dates my husband took me on was to hear Joe Williams at Jazz Alley in Seattle. It was a spellbinding experience. He is a consumate musician.

[@miraclebigevent142]

I consider Joe Williams among the top ten best popular/jazz singers of the 20th century or any century. He had a great voice, he could do blues, rhythm & blues, and ballads like this. I shook hands with him once after a Basie gig. Hell of a man. Hell of an artist. God bless him.

[@oldjazzy846]

MiracleBigEvent I've always loved the richness of his wonderful voice.

[@AnjeePanjy]

Absolutely! One of the best and definitely one of a kind by far.

[@waterlily6543]

Bravo you said it better thanks

[@SirCaseyHollywood]

fantastic!!! wish that in the present time, such class of singers would emerge..

[@voicegirl555]

What a guy! You were good Joe Williams! I love the way you sing. 22 years gone but never never forgotten. Thank you for all the music you left behind.

[@michaelfairbairn4283]

What an amazing voice! RESPECT.

[@catherineshaw1122]

He was such a special person. My stepfather was his guitarist for decades and I had the good fortune to hear Joe sing this with just piano accompaniment kna jazz cruise in 1988. It was almost a capella, and it was pure magic. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.

[@assignmentearth2899]

Big fan of Joe. He lived in the same culdesac as a friend on mine. They got to know him. Joe sang at his bar mitzvah.

[@debrathompson4319]

New Joe well from 1975 until his unfortunate passing. Not only one of the great singers of all time...but a humorous,M generous, loving man who brought grace and class to all he did.

[@leongardner710]

Wow...wow...wow...to sing like this man did.

[@hektor_schmidt]

Wonderful. Enjoyed watching.

[@JazzPublicist]

My what an afternoon we had that day. Miss you and nobody does it better. He could sing anything. Luv ya!

[@gailmoses7909]

🎉Here's to Joe Williams his way

[@hswatnik]

top of the mountain Joe-

[@SirCaseyHollywood]

JOE WILLIAMS, one of or legendary singers. He will be missed by a lot of artist

[@jayyoung7804]

I had the good fortune to see Joe Williams and Count Basie at the old Mocambo in Hollywood. Joe's music is best enjoyed in an intimate nightclub setting. Anyway, just I was entering the club to take my seat a blond lady walked in front of me on her way to her seat. It was Dinah Shore!

[@HaikuAutomation]

Played as a HS student back in '83 for 'big' Joe Williams, and what a nice guy. As punk kids learning Jazz, and playing with our hearts but not a lot of developed talent on a stage he was not only spending a couple evenings with us, but was teaching us how it was. Great man.

[@MichelleDenise64]

I'm glad I was able to get him to autograph his last recording. I love him for years

[@PatriciaMcAll]

Nobody can sing it like Joe Williams!

[@barbarabeckford7064]

Oh my heart is filled with the moments of the times when our parents used to take us to see various singers and my father would participate in quite a few events I can remember those good old days and I'm filled tears are coming to my eyes God bless you and have a great great 4th of July much love

[@douglaswolf9856]

Joe Williams is the all time #1 singer.Johnny knew.

[@Ladybug1923]

I love Joe Williams. Johnny Carson used to have him on a lot and that is where I discovered him. It's a joy to see this video. Thank you for sharing.

[@Rowoches]

Sing Joe!!!

[@Palomablanca2008]

I know what you mean, MsAgentprovocateur10 !! Shirley Horne is brilliant in everything she sings - and thanks to KZbin we can have almost all her performances always present, again and again. She is alive and well in our hearts!

[@MrDavymax]

I saw Joe perform in a small intimate club in Milwaukee,WI. Two shows a night for four nites. I only missed one show. I've met joe over the years more than a few times. He was so surpised that I was there for almost every show. I was taken backstage by owner Ray Tapps. Joe asked, "What do you do?" I told him I was a singer. Then Joe said, " Well sing somthing." I sang " There Will Never Be Another You" swinging it and scatting a solo. Joe sat back and proclaimed, " Ooooooh! You ARE a singer.

[@willislewis224]

Love Love...True Artist

[@onlyjaz]

A straight up "Closer"! This song could close out many a ballad or jazz albums. It's a quaint venue, small dinner table, smooth libation, incredible woman by my side, touching my hand and fully grasping the moment! It's comfortable silence..it's a spine tingler. It is the reason I love jazz and Ilove balladeers! Joe was the consummate professional and gentleman and he did HIS version incredible justice. His voice was and is STILL a soul stirring tool.

[@groovyoldman]

Man . . . I have listened to this guy for about 50 years, but never heard him do anything like this before. It's a tough tune and I can't find anything on it, but it is more poignant than Sinatra's "My Way." I can sing . . . but in no way could I do this tune justice . . . now that I've heard Joe Williams I probably won't try.

[@larry8664]

Check out Shirley Horns version.

[@Gracenotesmusic]

Joe Williams - great!

[@katafoocat1938]

Joe Williams indeed was a true artist with a rich, beautiful voice. He is missed very much. Had the opportunity of listening to him in Toronto, Canada some years ago. What a Performer! What Talent! A refined and cultured Gentleman indeed!!

[@bstz44]

And leave you with the memories you've memorized to keep your winters warm!!!

[@deepkeel65]

It doesn't get much better than this. Interpretation... wow.

[@rubengreenberg2253]

So very beautiful...so very moving. He recites this wonderful song; sings it and acts it out with such artistry and humanity.

[@jeremybrown5490]

My very favorite singer......

[@bstz44]

I love this man and there are few who can deliver a song like him. These lyrics are sensational

[@loulou2lou]

Brilliantly sung by a mature artist. Here's to you Joe.

[@techn9ne6]

that was beautiful..

[@poirotellerylane]

how can this be so beautiful~

[@mortygwhiz]

Some essential truths of life expressed by the incomprable Joe Williams. One of my all time favorites in the Jazz and Blues idioms.

[@jazzloverb]

joe williams was a fantasic performer, and this song sums it up. great job by the tonight show band and the arranger of this song.

[@JAHenry]

I'd never heard this before, and I I grew up on Joe Williams' voice. Simply gorgeous voice on a simply gorgeous song... (I like it when he and SHirley Horn do it together, too, eh?)

[@Pacabelle]

One of the hardest songs to sing. He sings it so effortlessly.

[@samdorsalis878]

Beautiful vibrato Not to mention the "phrasé " so full of soul...thank you Joe.

[@JoEna0517]

I remember this performance. It's from the "Tonight Show." Joe Williams was a favorite of Johnny Carson. What a wonderful song stylist Williams was. Thank you for sharing this.

[@msays1275]

Love him still 😱💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@cameraguyed29]

Joe was the most versatile singer EVER. Jazz, Blues, Broadway and Gospel. At 80 he was still as good as any and better than most. To top all that, he was the consummate gentleman. He was taken from us too early. His final concert with George Shearing in January of 1999 in Cerritos California was truly memorable.

[@stevesmith6685]

+Edward Foster Damned right. I did tapes (remember them?) for family and friends about 20th Century popular music and said that for singers he was so good, so wide ranging, he was up there with Bing, Frank, Ella, Tony, yeah Elvis (popular but R&R), Billie, Rosemary Clooney and a few others who got it. Damned good singer. And I loved him and the Basie Band.

[@stevesmith6685]

+Edward Foster Damned right. I did tapes (remember them?) for family and friends about 20th Century popular music and said that for singers he was so good, so wide ranging, he was up there with Bing, Frank, Ella, Tony, yeah Elvis (popular but R&R), Billie, Rosemary Clooney and a few others who got it. Damned good singer. And I loved him and the Basie Band.

[@stevesmith6685]

+Edward Foster Damned right. I did tapes (remember them?) for family and friends about 20th Century popular music and said that for singers he was so good, so wide ranging, he was up there with Bing, Frank, Ella, Tony, yeah Elvis (popular but R&R), Billie, Rosemary Clooney and a few others who got it. Damned good singer. And I loved him and the Basie Band.

[@blacqwolff]

this is one song that touches my heart.because it it's real in the eyes of those who believe.

[@JazzPublicist]

This song was written for Joe and he allowed Shirley Horn to record it first. He did that because Verve would not give him the budget to record it. So he left Verve and signed with another Record Company.. This is the best recording of that song. RIP, Joe.

[@margaretedwards4757]

Love that voice

[@blacqwolff]

this is a song that will make even a monster cry.

[@tainachapman9486]

I love this Wow!! Perfectly sang!! 😘

[@MariettePetravandenBerg]

a beautiful singer!!

[@verneiceturner8250]

Thank you ....💖

[@larryorrell]

A great great interpretation of a great Lyric and Prayer--"Heres to Life"

[@stevehurst7525]

The greatest and most chilling rendition by Shirley Horn, of course! (Sorry Barbara Streisand)!

[@MrPatricioG]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe Johnny Carson stated that Joe Williams was the greatest singer he'd ever heard. I remember seeing him on the Tonight Show quite a few times when I was a kid.

[@corporateoffice9605]

shirley horn

[@PatriciaMcAll]

We love you Joe! Sharing...

[@eraffel]

Wow what a great song!

[@swt32567]

29 March 1999.He was 80yrs. old.

[@gat1240]

This is a Johnny Carson show performance. There were tons of great artists that were on that show, So what do we get on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Lady Gaga, nuff said.

[@Rory99M]

I regretfully agree

[@laurakolb]

sublime........... such an icon-

[@Dee530Luvz2BeLoved5555]

Thank you Simon, that was truly beautiful, my eyes filled with tears, yet it also gave me the chills... his voice so wonderful and the words... wow, how they make ONE think!! So "Here's To YOU, and Here's To Life". Thank you, My Friend- Best, Marcie*

[@patriciamcallister9261]

Bravo!!! ❤❤❤

[@etaoin_shrdlu]

I quite like the studio version. He really gets into the head notes. Astounding.

[@hyden1940]

Such a beautiful human is joe. Wish I could have met him.

[@mrjerrysheldon]

SENSATIONAL! Mr Joe Williams!!

[@user-zv5cp3fk6d]

Beautiful

[@lovejazz42]

I can not stop crying. I am mute now. The beauty of this man's voice takes my breath away. His phrasing must come from the purity of his soul and God.

[@emilerose1424]

@Daniela Bisenius, I'm with you on this! I'm betting that Joe Williams has the depth of experience that let's him sing this with authority. Beautiful man, beautiful voice, beautiful presence.

[@catherineshaw1122]

He was truly a beautiful spirit and he could light up a room just by his presence.

[@PabluchoViision]

Yes. This reminds me of seeing and hearing a very old Teddy Wilson perform "The Man I Love" on television when I was in my teens. He didn't have a ton of chops left but the beauty and power of his performance was overwhelming. You could just feel all the life experience in it, all the joy and pain. What artistry!

[@fatcatchet]

Saw him do this at the Blue Note..love it ..Thanks

[@dicta1971]

I am so won over by his intepretation. Kudos to Joe!

[@geoedgrav]

I like this !!!!!!

[@helennieuwenhuis1528]

💝💝💝 Wonderful!

[@marvinmcoy6202]

I saw performance years ago. Still very moving piece.

[@rjbullen8932]

Amen

[@Palomablanca2008]

Great song... beautifully performed!! Another breathtaking version: Shirley Horne's.

[@reduxmisc]

One of the Great's

[@rayjimenez5504]

The Best

[@sonny712002]

I will sing this......🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💔💔💔💔

[@doncreque7011]

Sonny Collins ....you singing this yet?

[@dunskie]

I remember him doing this on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Is this from The Tonight Show?

[@JazzPublicist]

This was not the Johnny Carson show, it was the Easter Seal Telethon with BB King and so many others.

[@TIPTON340]

On the greatest singers of our time and unfortunatly, or fortunately, he's only known as Clair Huxtable's father on Cosby.

[@catherineshaw1122]

Oh, not to anyone of good taste or decent cultural education. Though I know both are becoming extinct, lol..

[@larry1824]

Him Rushing Bland the aristocracy😊😊😊😊

[@7677876]

Hey, I love BOtAR/Streetlight as much as the next guy, but this is still fantastic! ... But anyway, if you haven't listened to you, you've GOT to check out the BOtAR version of Here's to Life. It's bloody fantastic :3

[@b.walter6646]

Artie Butler on piano. he wrote the song.

[@donclarkjr9531]

the last time Mr Williams performed in public was with the bad Trump jive and whale at the Bellagio in the Fontana ballroom I said to him Happy Thanksgiving Joe and Joe replied with that beautiful smile happy everyday

[@DeathlyTired]

Joe's duet version with George shearing is better still, it's on KZbin as (Tunnel Version)

[@avatardudu]

muuito boom ;')

[@hswatnik]

superhuman effort-

[@JazzPublicist]

Really miss you. There is a better rendition of this done live for the March of Dimes. Artie Butler directed the Orchestra. One of the best singers ever. Could sing anything

[@claitontesch]

wonderfullllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Ronald60202]

@RdSoxFan618 -- What you refer to is another song with the same title by the Jersey ska group Streetlight Manifesto. Both are fascinating pieces with totally different subjects.