Forgotten Arrangers — George “The Fox” Williams (Part 2)

By Jeff Sultanof

Williams was fortunate in that he had long relationships with very popular leaders of ensembles. As we will discover, one of those involved a very popular comedian.

His arrangements for Krupa continued:

• Tea for Two (vocal by Anita O’Day)
• Yesterdays with Charlie Ventura
• By the River St. Marie with Don Fagerquist, Charlie Kennedy, and Buddy Wise. Note the bebop phrases.

Trumpeter Ray Anthony played with Glenn Miller for a short time. After war service, he formed a big band. By 1949, he’d signed with Capitol Records and was one of the top big bands in a very short time. Willams arranged two records in particular that became big hits, both regularly played at school dances and receptions of all types; they were in print for years.

• This version of Bunny Hop comes from one of Anthony’s television shows.
• The other record was The Hokey Pokey.
• Slider

Anthony’s band was one of several that often featured the Glenn Miller reed sound. This is Tenderly. Williams arranged Anthony’s theme, The Man With the Horn.

From a short subject made for Universal, here is All Anthony and No Cleopatra and Mr. Anthony’s Boogie, both Williams scores.

In 1950, Williams did a date with Johnny Hartman. Here is Nightingale.

In 1951, he arranged some sides for Roy Eldridge. This is Basin St. Blues.

Our last chapter brings us more Ray Anthony, Jackie Gleason, and some others, plus a very well-known track.

—Jeff Sultanof