Larry Williams

Larry Williams (May 10, 1935 - January 7, 1980) was a rhythm and blues singer and pianist from New Orleans, Louisiana. Many of his songs were recorded by The Beatles, such as "Bad Boy", "Slo

Larry Williams (May 10, 1935 - January 7, 1980) was a rhythm and blues singer and pianist from New Orleans, Louisiana. Many of his songs were recorded by The Beatles, such as "Bad Boy", "Slow Down", and "Dizzy Miss Lizzy." "Bony Moronie" by John Lennon and by The Rolling Stones "She Said Yeah" His first records were released by Specialty Records as that label's biggest star, Little Richard, left to pursue the ministry. Groomed as Richard's successor, Williams' records had the same raw, piano-driven intensity, but his oddball lyrics, his voice and his whistling kept his work original.

Williams had been involved with underworld activity since his early teens, and had reputedly been a pimp before he ever recorded music. In the late fifties his music career suffered a setback when he was arrested for dealing narcotics. However, Williams made a comeback in the mid-sixties with a band that included Johnny "Guitar" Watson. This period garnered fewer hits but, less imitative of the Little Richard sound, produced some of his best and most original work. There was also a brief dalliance with disco in the seventies.