Leroy Williams was born in Chicago Illinois

Leroy Williams was born in Chicago Illinois. His mother played the piano in the church in which he rescued a set of drums where his grandfather was the pastor. Leroy is self-taught but he did study with Oliver Coleman for a few months when he was eighteen years of age. In his hometown of Chicago, he worked with local musicians including bassist, Wilbur Ware, saxophonist, Eddie Harris and Jack DeJohnette who was playing piano at the time.

He also worked with pianist, Judy Roberts at the London House as the house trio. He came to New York in 1967 and has played and recorded with Barry Harris, Sonny Stitt, James Moody, Ray Bryant, Thelonious Monk and many others. He has toured extensively throughout Europe and Japan and most recently in Africa. Leroy's favorite drummers are Max Roach, Art Blakey, Philly Joe Jones and Kenny Clark.

February 07 - 14 @ The Village Vanguard - 178 Seventh Avenue South New York NY 10014

Barry Harris Trio
Earl May-b,
Leroy Williams-d