Black Benny Williams (c. 1890 New Orleans - 1924 New Orleans) was a New Orleans based bass drummer of legendary status who played in New Orleans brass bands in the early decades of the 20th century. Black Benny was recalled by many New Orleans musicians of the era, but left no recordings. New Orleans is the largest city in the state of Louisiana, United States of America. ... It has been suggested that vruk be merged into this article or section. ...

Black Benny grew up in a rough poor African-American neighborhood of the Third Ward of New Orleans known as "The Battleground". He played with such notable brass bands as the Onward, Camelia, and Tuxedo, and with such leaders as Kid Ory, Kid Rena, and Wooden Joe Nicholas. Languages Predominantly American English Religions Protestantism (chiefly Baptist and Methodist); Roman Catholicism; Islam Related ethnic groups Sub-Saharan Africans and other African groups, some with Native American groups. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Edward Kid Ory (December 25, 1886 – January 23, 1973) was a Jazz trombonist and bandleader. ...

Benny was in and out of jails all his life, and once shot a bystander during a march on Canal Street, and reportedly was shot by a jealous woman. In addition to his work as a drummer, Williams worked as a bouncer and a prizefighter. Canal Street is a major thoroughfare in the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. ...

An early colleague of Louis Armstrong, Black Benny is referred to in Armstrong's autobiography, and helped look after young Louis during his tough childhood. Sidney Bechet also talks about Black Benny Williams in his autobiography, as does Jelly Roll Morton in his Library of Congress interviews. This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Cover of the first English edition of 1793 of Benjamin Franklins autobiography. ... Sidney Bechet Sidney Bechet (May 14, 1897 – May 14, 1959) was a jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer. ... Morton in the 1920s Ferdinand Jelly Roll Morton September 20, 1890 - July 10, 1941) was an American virtuoso pianist, bandleader and composer who some call the first true composer of jazz music. ...

References

• Satchmo: My Life in New Orleans by Louis Armstrong, ISBN 9997226488
• 'Treat it Gentle by Sidney Bechet