From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

Williams, William "Colonel"

(born: 1898  -  died: 1973) 

Williams was born in Virginia. Also known as Bill, he settled in Greenup, KY, in 1922, remaining there until his death. Williams taught himself to play the guitar at the age of 10. He teamed up with Blind Blake and entertained at road gang camps in Tennessee. Once in Kentucky, he played at social parties and also at the Mountain Heritage Folk Festival, Louisville Folk Festival, and many others. For more see Blues Who's Who, by S. Harris; and Bill Williams on Blue Goose Records.


Outside Kentucky Place Name

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NKAA Source: Blues who's who: a biographical dictionary of blues singers

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Cite This NKAA Entry:

“Williams, William "Colonel",” Notable Kentucky African Americans Database, accessed July 26, 2024, https://nkaa.uky.edu/nkaa/items/show/982.

Last modified: 2017-09-11 16:06:28