I actually received this saddening news through a friend living in Virginia a few days ago. I haven't read anything about his passing here so I started this thread. I think the funeral was just a few days ago.

-K-

Michael Jackson, Madonna guitarist David Williams dies

Played on Billie Jean, among other hits

Joe Bosso, Wed 11 Mar 2009, 8:02 pm UTC
Michael Jackson, Madonna guitarist David Williams dies

David Williams, guitarist of exquisite taste, dies at 58


Guitarist David Williams, whose recording and touring credits include Michael Jackson, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Marvin Gaye and The Temptations among countless others, died last Friday at age 58.

Williams, a native of Newport News, Virginia, was admitted to the Sentara Hospital in nearby Hampton after he suffered a stroke on 2 March. He fell into a coma and later died of cardiac arrest.

Although probably nobody outside the music industry knew his name, practically everybody on the planet heard his work thanks to his in-the-pocket playing on Michael Jackson's smash Billie Jean. Williams contributed the clean, funky strummed solo that was integral to the sound of the song,
Became a go-to LA guitarist

Having started his career at the age of 18 with The Dells, Williams went on to play with The Temptations. Real success proved elusive until he hooked up with producer Quincy Jones, who heard something in Williams' understated rhythm playing. After Jones utilized Williams' signature sound on Michael Jackson's Off The Wall and Thriller albums, Williams became one of the most in-demand LA session guitarists in the '80s and '90s.

This journalist had the pleasure of knowing Williams. As a person, he was gentle and easy-going, loved to laugh, adored pasta with mussels, and never once boasted about his success. He always referred to his guitar playing as "a little bit of secret spice. You don't need much of it, but the right amount gets the job done."

Williams is survived by four children with his ex-wife Deborah. He will be missed.

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Rest in peace, David....







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[Edited 3/14/09 10:37am]

Wow ....




[Edited 3/14/09 10:49am]

I remember he also performed on the Triumph & Victory-tours of The Jacksons. And his live-skills can be heard on the double-live album of Rufus, "Stompin' At The Savoy".
After recording with the duo-group Chanson, he released 2 albums :

1 - Take The Ball And Run - 1983 - Ocean Front Records


2 - Something Special - (90's) - President Records (posted in previous post)

This was posted in the MJ thread since it was MJ related.

http://www.bryanferry.com/tribute/

http://www.youtube.com/wa...re=related

http://www.youtube.com/wa...re=related

http://www.nowpublic.com/...grim-death
[Edited 3/14/09 11:04am]

My uncle went to high school with David. He used to tell me stories about how focused he was. He knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life. RIP.

carlcranshaw said:

Thanks for that ... really interesting to see that studio-footage with Bryan Ferry,
and i was when he told about one of his first recording-sessions for Bryan, when he asked if Bryan had actually a record-deal.

Thanks also Shawnt26 for your story

I remember seeing him play guitar on Madonna's Blond Ambition Tour.He was an amazing musician.

Mr. David Williams (RIP)

Aww. So sorry to hear this. . .R.I.P.