Ernie Williams, first picked up a guitar at the age of 13 in the 1930’s. He was originally from, Virginia, where he was living in a shack on a Virginia Plantation. He became inspired by the blues and wanted to become a bluesman. At the age of 19, he moved to Harlem, N.Y., to pursue his dream in music. In the 50’s, he would play gigs 7 nights a week. He would do everything from amateur nights to juke joints in the dark corners of the city.

In the 60’s, he moved to Albany, to work day jobs to support his family, so his musical dream was put on hold. In the 70’s, when the blues scene started to get huge, he formed himself a band and he’s been playing gigs in Albany ever since. He was never signed to a label, I believe. He has always been an unsigned musician.

Even though he was never famous nationally, he did create a huge legacy in the Capital District area. He never cared for fame, he did it for the love of music. Ernie Williams, longtime frontman of the Wildcats blues band, passed away today at the age of 87. Before his passing, he still kept performing live and playing gigs. He never gave up.

This is a sad loss in the music scene. Will the Capital District put on a tribute show for Ernie? It’s too early to say but I’m sure an Ernie Williams tribute concert will be planned out soon. He lived a long and good life. I never knew the guy and never saw him perform, but I respect him greatly. Thank you, Ernie!

Kev