Lester Williams was named after the late great Lester Young, one of the greatest jazz saxophone players of all times. At the age of fourteen, Les was working professionally with Motown’s up and coming Contours as well as other top stars-. He learned the ropes with the likes of Marcus Belgraves (Ray Charles’ band leader), Ralph Armstrong, Herbie Hancock, Freddy Hubbell, and Charles Mingus .Worked with George Clinton, Chuck Jackson, Caroline Franklin (Aretha’s sister), the Spinners, the Dramatics, Michael Henderson, Phyllis Hyman, Al Hudson, (One Way), Al Green, John Lee Hooker, Ray Parker Jr., David and Jimmy Ruffin, Edwin Starr, Martha Reeves, and many more in the music industry.

Les wrote two songs for the Dells “Face to Face” CD Changed Man and Wrap up tight. In 1978, Les’ band opened for Lou Rawls at the Masonic Temple, in Detroit, Michigan. In 2007, Les Williams opened for the “Four Tops”, at the Hotel St. Regis’ gala New Year’s Eve Party, in Detroit. { Les has done a variety of Michigan venues in 2009 including Country Clubs , the River Walk ,the National Mayors convention , G7 summit , Greektown,and the Motor City casino ,Corporate events and he's a regular at MGM Grand’s Intice Piano Bar}

Les produced his first solo CD entitled “Les Roll”, which explodes with excitement and energy from the very first drum beat on “Choo Choo Cha Boogie” to the big band ending on the “Big Dipper”. It’s music that everyone can enjoy and singing along with. The “Les Roll” CD is a unique blend of vintage Jazz, Blues, Dixieland, Rock & Roll, Salsa and Funk. Selections include: “Route 66", “St. Louis Woman”, and an inspirational favorite, “I Believe In You” was a favorite on the Detroit radio station 107.5 WGPR for over 3 years. For more information to hear samples or make a purchase visit the website: (cdbaby.com/cd/williams )

Les is among those Detroit artists invited to join Hitsville Ventures, LLC, to revive the memories of the historically unique music world birthed in Detroit.

The Les Williams band was voted Jazz band of the year by 1st Annual Detroit Black Music Awards.

You must be logged in to become a Friend!