Charles D. Williams, is a native of Kansas City, Kansas. Mr. Williams hasplayed piano for over 50 years. As a trombonist, he studied under Mr.Leon Brady at Sumner High School and supplemented this training withmusical studies under the tutelage of the late Mr. Reginald Buckner.
Mr. Williams was a member of the award-winning Sumner Jazz Bandthat also attended the Paris International Jazz festival in Paris France in1972, and was auspiciously judged to be “the best High School Band inthe World. Mr. Williams also had the pleasure of participating in theTurner House Jazz series in the 1970’s – having opportunity to play withsuch great jazz artist as: Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Roy Ayers,Cannonball and Nat Adderley, Frank Wess, Clark Terry, Ernie Wilkins,Rich Matteson, and many more.Today, Mr. Williams performs as the pianist for The Kansas City JazzOrchestra since its beginning in 2003 to present.
This orchestra hasbacked many artist such as, Benny Golson, The New Your Voices,Wycliffe Gordon, Ernie Andrews, Houston Person, Harold Jones, TheFour Freshmen, Randy Brecker, Bobby Watson, Deborah Brown, SeanJones, Kirk Whalum, and many more.Mr. Williams’ local involvement extends beyond his ownperformances. He established his Keyboard Academy where he teachesstudents and inspires the next generation of great Kansas Citymusicians. He produces music, makes custom soundtracks, works withvocalist, and mentors young musicians, and just released his current CDentitled “Flavors of Jazz” in April of 2018.
Charles has been a memberthe board for the American Jazz Museum since 2019. He is also anInstructor with the American Jazz Museum Jazz Academy who teachesthe advanced combo. In May of 2023, Mr. Williams received a nationalaward of recognition, THE DUKE ELLINGTON AWARD.