Mike Williams is an Americanjazz andbig bandtrumpeter residing inLapeer, Michigan. He is most noted as the lead trumpeter for theCount Basie Orchestra, an esteemed chair which he held without interruption for more than 21 years. Mike can be heard on numerous Count Basie Orchestra recordings (some of themGrammy Award winners), including the recent"Basie Is Back" (recorded live in Japan) and the Grammy nominated"Ray Sings, Basie Swings," on which he was a featured soloist. As a member of the Basie Band, he has performed in all 50 states and 40 countries with such notable names asDizzy Gillespie,Billy Eckstine,Frank Sinatra,Ella Fitzgerald,Sarah Vaughan,George Benson,Tony Bennett andDiane Schuur.
Mike is a native ofShreveport, Louisiana. He attended theUniversity of North Texas College of Music, where he studied with noted trumpeterDon Jacoby, and was a member of the famousOne O'Clock Lab Band. In addition to touring and recording withCount Basie, he also performs and records with other noted jazz groups, includingCharles Tolliver Big Band.
Mike also played trumpet for several years with the156th Army Band, part of theLouisiana Army National Guard based inBossier City, Louisiana under the direction ofDr. Douglas Peterson.
