Claude "The Fiddler" Williams (February 22, 1908 – April 26, 2004) was an American jazz violinist and guitarist. February 22 is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1908 (MCMVIII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... April 26 is the 116th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (117th in leap years). ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Jazz is an original American musical art form that originated around the start of the 20th century in New Orleans, rooted in African American musical styles blended with Western music technique and theory. ... A violinist is an instrumentalist who plays the violin. ... A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. ...

Williams was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, in 1908, and by 10 he had learned to play guitar, mandolin, banjo and cello. Upon hearing Joe Venuti play, he was inspired to take up the violin. In 1928, he moved to Kansas City and toured with Andy Kirk's territory band Twelve Clouds of Joy, which also included Mary Lou Williams, and further honed his musicianship by participating in jam sessions. Count Basie discovered him in Kansas City and later invited him to play rhythm guitar in his band. From the 1980s, Williams performed on violin exclusively. Location within the state of Oklahoma County Muskogee County Mayor Wren Stratton Area    - City 100. ... Giuseppe Venuti (Joe) (September 16, 1903 - August 14, 1978) was a U.S. jazz musician and violinist. ... 1928 (MCMXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will take you to calendar). ... Nickname: City of Fountains or Heart of America Location in Jackson, Clay, Platte, and Cass Counties in the state of Missouri. ... Andy Kirk (May 28, 1898 - 1992) was a jazz bass saxophonist. ... Mary Lou Williams (May 8, 1910 – May 28, 1981) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. ... William Count Basie (August 21, 1904 – April 26, 1984) was an American jazz pianist, organist, and bandleader. ... The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view. ...

He died in Kansas City, MO from pneumonia. He was 96 years old. He was the last surviving jazz musician to have recorded before 1930.

Sources

• NPR's Jazz Profiles: Claude Williams