Today, on the birthday of Spencer Williams, an American composer, pianist and songwriter who made a significant contribution to the development of jazz and popular music in the first half of the 20^th century, ‘The Jazz Stars’ section features a story about the musician's life and a new selection of musical compositions that he performs.

Spencer Williams holds an important place in jazz history as one of the pioneers and key songwriters that which formed the basis of the genre in its early stages of development.

The musician was born on October 14, 1889, in New Orleans, Louisiana – a city considered the birthplace of jazz. It was there that the youngster absorbed the atmosphere of musical culture steeped in blues, ragtime, gospel, and African American musical traditions. Williams helped shape the sound of early jazz by combining traditional African American musical elements with new rhythms and harmonies. His work spans the jazz golden age of the 1920s and 1930s, a time when the genre was forming and gaining popularity.

Spencer Williams was the author of many songs that became jazz standards and classics of American music. His compositions were distinguished by their melodiousness, vibrant rhythms, and memorable motifs. Among his most famous works are “Basin Street Blues,” “Royal Garden Blues,” and “I Ain’t Got Nobody.” These songs have become jazz standards and benchmarks for many performers and continue to be played to this day. Musical compositions by Williams contributed to the popularization of jazz both in the United States and beyond. He collaborated extensively in Europe with Josephine Baker – an American singer, dancer, and actress who became a global star and icon of the jazz era, especially renowned in France. Williams created energetic and expressive music that perfectly suited Baker's style, and she, in turn, popularized these compositions by performing them at the Folies Bergère cabaret in Paris, contributing to their widespread popularity.

Spencer Williams was a significant figure in jazz history, whose creative contribution helped define the sounding and development of the genre. His songs and compositions continue to inspire musicians and devoted listeners, remaining an integral part of the jazz heritage. Famous artists such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Bessie Smith and others performed Williams' compositions, helping to spread his music and increase its influence.