John B. Williams, a bassist best known for performing on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, has passed away after a recent health condition. He was 85 years old.
His wife Jessica previously told TMZ that he recently suffered a fall and subsequently underwent brain surgery due to his injuries. She further revealed that her late husband had been battling dementia before the fall.
After the operation, it was revealed that Williams was unable to walk or speak, with his health rapidly declining. He was placed in hospice 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 performed for various jazz musicians including Zoot Sims, Clark Terry, Leon Thomas and Kenny Burrell.
He came along The Tonight Show in 1972 and then joined The Arsenio Show in 1989.
Fans remember his and fellow musician Nancy Wilson’s collaborations over the years.
“For more than twenty-five years, John was far more than Nancy Wilson’s bassist, John was one of her trusted musical anchors,” a statement shared on legendary song stylist Nancy Wilson’s Facebook page. “Nancy often joked that she didn’t read sheet music and depended 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.'”
