Buddy Williams (jazz drummer)


Ira "Buddy" Williams is an American jazz drummer. He has played with Grover Washington, Cedar Walton, David Sanborn, Kirk Whalum, Joe Sample, The Manhattan Transfer, Nat Adderley, Roberta Flack, McCoy Tyner and others. Willams is a past member of the Saturday Night Live Band, and has done drums and percussion for theatrical works including Hello, Dolly!, Motown: The Musical, The Color Purple, among others.
In 2024, Williams received the New York City Musicians Collective Honors award.

Early life and education

Buddy Willams started playing professionally at eight years old. He attended High School of Music and Art during which time he played with the group "Natural Essence". Williams graduated from Manhattan School of Music.

Career

In Leonard Feather’s 1976 review of Nat Adderley’s Adderley Quintet debut performance in Los Angeles, he described "an explosive drummer named Buddy Williams."
During the early 1980s, he toured with Corea and Return to Forever, then worked with Bobby Lyle, Eliane Elias, David Benoit, Michel Petrucciani and McCoy Tyner, playing on his "Looking Out" album.
In 1981, Williams co-wrote "Rollin' On" and "Ballad for D." with Roberta Flack for the Bustin' Loose soundtrack.

Discography

As sideman

With Nat AdderleyDon't Look Back Hummin'
With Andy BeyExperience and Judgment
With Carla BleyFleur Carnivore
With Doug CarnRevelation
With George FreemanMan & Woman
With Dizzy GillespieCloser to the Source
With Dave GrusinDave Grusin & The GRP All-Stars - Live in Japan
With Roberta FlackRollin' On Ballad for D.
With Jaroslav JakubovicCheckin' In
With Howard Johnson and GravityTestimony
With Hugh MasekelaMain Event Live
With Lee RitenourRio
With David SanbornStraight to the Heart
With Sonny Sharrock & Linda SharrockParadise
With Valerie SimpsonValerie Simpson
With Lonnie Liston SmithDreams of Tomorrow
With Bob StewartGoin' Home
With McCoy TynerLooking Out
With Luther VandrossNever Too Much
With Cedar WaltonAnimation