Emery at BLUES ETC. in Chicago, Illinois
The first time I ever saw Emery Williams, Jr. was at a jam at the River West in Chicago. Although he was acting as a side man for the house band that night, he really was the show. I never was the same after that, I was blown away. I said to myself, "Now that is a guy who is something special!" He used to stand and swing his whole body as he played, keeping time like a giant metronome - the white suit he was wearing just looked too cool for words. Little did I know that a couple of years later I would get to play drums in his band, Slick Willy Crazy. I still to this day have never forgotten the opportunity and break he gave me to play real blues and R&B music in Chicago.
Emery Williams Jr. was born June 8, 1949 in Blue Island, Illinois. As a child he grew up singing Gospel in Robbins, Illinois, performing at churches and also on local radio and television stations. In the 1960's, Emery and his brother Doug, were in the band, Von Ryan's Express, touring the United States and playing locally in Chicago's legendary Rush street venues. Having later moved to California, he worked sessions for Ray Charles, Dyan Cannon and producer Eddie Singleton (Motown). Emery was also touring with many performers in Europe and Japan as well. In the 1970's, the Johnny Nash hit, "I can see clearly now", was on the airwaves with Emery playing guitar on the recording.
Having moved back to Chicago, Emery shared the stage with many well known artists including Eddie Shaw, Eddy Clearwater, Floyd McDaniels, Lovie Lee, Big Time Sara, and Buddy Guy. Emery played regularly as a featured vocalist and guitarist with the R&B band, The Soul Invaders. While someone of his "one & only" ability could pick and choose his gigs, Emery was never one to act above others and was always willing to make well appreciated guest appearances with local blues acts such as Uncle Bob & the Bluzers, Aces & Eights, Ronny & the Rockits, and Hot Rod. His own band, Slick Willy Crazy, was his last band, whom he shared equal billing with his wife, Dawn O'Keefe Williams (she is now leading her own band). Truly a one-of-a-kind musician, his tremendous influence on other musicians came not only from his guitar playing, or from his incredible voice, but from his good nature and love toward all people. Emery had the rare ability to capture an audience and their hearts, making them an intimate part of every performance. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and his musical spirit will live in all who had the fortune of playing with him. Perhaps bandmate Tommy Jameson of the Soul Invaders said it best, "A musician like Emery only comes around once in a lifetime." Emery passed away from illness on March 2, 1996.Eric "Baron" Behrenfeld
Emery's last recorded session, as guitarist, can be heard on the 1996 Delmark release (38153 692 2), Blues in the Year One-D-One, by Chicago Blues artist, Big Time Sara.
Also check out the 1997 release, Blues Across America The Chicago Scene on Cannonball Records that showcases Emery's vocals, from recordings he made in 1993 with Maurice John Vaughn, Sam Goode, Dave Clark, Mark Wyda, Max Brumbach, Twist Turner, Madison Slim, and Dave Forte.