Williams, Mary Lou

Williams, MaryLou (8 May 1910– 13 May 1981) American jazz pianist and arranger, born Mary Elfrieda Scruggs in Atlanta. She played piano as a child and joined various groups, one led by John Williams, who became her husband. They both joined the Andy Kirk band in 1929, where she did the arrangements, remaining until 1942. She then freelanced as a pianist and arranger, active into the 1970s, widely regarded as the leading female jazz artist. Williams taught at Duke University from 1977, and died…