US jazz, blues and soul saxophonist, born as John C. Williams on October 31, 1936 in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Best known for his longtime association with the Count Basie Orchestra from 1970 until May 2013.
He also worked as a session musician in the horn sections of soul and blues groups like Ike and Tina Turner, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pips and The Temptations.

Not to be confused with English baritone saxophonist John Williams (9).