Larry Williams, Dizzy Miss Lizzie/Turn on your lovelight

112 | 1 November 2023

Larry Williams | Last FM | 14570

Singer, song writer, pianist and producer Laurence Eugene “Larry” Williams was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on May 10, 1935. He grew up in Chicago, Illinois and relocated to Oakland, California in 1945. He was a long time friend of Little Richard. In 1954 he returned to New Orleans, working for his cousin Lloyd Price. He played piano in the bands of Lloyd Price, Roy Brown and Percy Mayfield. His career peaked in the period 1957-1958 at the height of rock and roll. He battled with his temper and his recreational drug use, and was frequently in trouble.

Larry Williams died from a gunshot wound to his head on January 7, 1980. It was recorded as suicide but there remains speculation that he was murdered due to his involvement in drugs and prostitution.