John B. Williams, a bassist best known for his performances The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson passed away following a recent health emergency. He was 85 years old.
His wife Jessica previously told TMZ that he recently fell and subsequently underwent brain surgery for his injuries. She further revealed that her late husband had battled dementia before the fall.
After the surgery, it was revealed that Williams could not walk or talk, and his health rapidly deteriorated. He was placed in hospice care and died on June 4.
Born on February 27, 1941, Williams initially studied percussion before switching to bass while serving in the United States Marine Corps. He has performed for several jazz musicians, including Zoot Sims, Clark Terry, Leon Thomas and Kenny Burrell.
He joined The tonight show in 1972 and subsequently joined The Arsenio Show in 1989.
Fans remember the collaborations between him and fellow musician Nancy Wilson over the years.
“For more than twenty-five years, John was much more than Nancy Wilson’s bassist; John was one of her trusted musical anchors,” said a statement shared on legendary song stylist Nancy Wilson’s Facebook page. “Nancy often joked that she couldn’t read music and had to rely on the bass to help her find what she called ‘her place.’ Night after night, city after city, she found that place with John. He was her guide, her foundation and one of her beloved ‘gentlemen.’
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