Larry Williams was moving way too fast. He should have slowed down. Born in New Orleans in 1935, he grew up around music, learning to play the piano. In his teens, Williams moved with his family to Oakland, California. There he joined a local R & B group, The Lemon Drops. He also became familiar with what some called “the sporting life.” On a visit back to New Orleans in 1954, he met singer Lloyd Price, then recording for Specialty Records. One thing led to another. Price hired Williams to be his valet. Williams was later introduced to Robert “Bumps” Blackwell, Specialty’s house producer. Soon after, Williams signed a recording contract with Specialty. All the while, according to Blackwell, Williams was also pimping. Things were moving fast already.
Love this article, Jeff. Always been a fan of Williams.