Background
Williams, David was born on November 21, 1950 in Newport News, Virginia, United States. Son of Larry and Reatha McIvory (Knight) Williams.
Williams, David was born on November 21, 1950 in Newport News, Virginia, United States. Son of Larry and Reatha McIvory (Knight) Williams.
University of California at Los Angeles (Bachelor of Science, 1973). Whittier College School of Law (Juris Doctor, 1978).
A native of Newport News, Virginia, Williams learned to play guitar as a child, but started his professional career with the Dells at age 18. This career was interrupted when he was drafted to serve in Vietnam. Upon returning home he hooked up with the Temptations for live gigs and eventually settled in Los Angeles to do studio work.
Although he"s featured on albums by Fred Frith (1974), Hodges James & Smith (1978), Philosophy Hurtt (1978), Linda Evans (1979), and his own project Chanson (1978).
Steadily growing success didn"t begin until he was brought to Michael Jackson"s attention by Everett "Blood" Hollins. Upon hearing "Chanson" on the radio, a group Blood bought to the attention of Mark Kreiner, for 1979" General’ s Office The Wall album.
He was also featured on every song but one (second only to Tito Jackson) for The Jacksons" 1980 Triumph album. And played on The Jacksons concert tour that resulted in their 1982 The Jacksons Live! album.
David Williams was a popular session guitarist on other albums for many famous artists.
He was hired to play by The Pointer Sisters (1980), Peter Allen (1980), Aretha Franklin (1980) and The Four Tops (1981). In 1982, he was used once again on Michael Jackson"s Thriller album, where his signature funky strumming famously anchors of "Billie Jean". David also performed on Jackson"s Bad album (1987).
After the success of these projects Williams became one of the most in-demand popular music union session guitarists for the next decade, recording with Madonna, Julio Iglesias, George Benson, The Manhattan Transfer, Michael McDonald, Melissa Manchester, The Temptations, Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, Dionne Warwick, Shalamar, Go West, American Broadcasting Company, Genesis, Boz Scaggs, Karen Carpenter, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Julian Lennon, Bryan Ferry, Paul McCartney, Johnny Mathis, Delegate Shannon, Chaka Khan, Paul Hardcastle, Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry, Lionel Richie, Jessica Simpson, Diana Ross, The Crusaders, Andraé Crouch, Eddie Murphy, Herbie Hancock, Peter Cetera, Whitney Houston, Monkey Business and more.
Though he played on a number of tours with Michael Jackson, Madonna and others, Williams remained a behind-the-scenes union session player. David Williams died of cardiac arrest in Hampton, Virginia at age 58.
Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles County and American Br Associations. State Bar of California. The Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
Married Deborah M. Michelle, May 5, 1985. Children: Davida, Dana.