Williams, Lew (1934-2019) | University of Illinois Archives

Name: Williams, Lew (1934-2019)

Variant Name: Lew Williams, Lewis Wayne Williams, Lewis William Kaczmarek

Fuller Form: Lewis William Kaczmarek

Historical Note: Lew Williams (1934-2019) was an American rockabilly singer and songwriter known as the "Cab Calloway of Rockabilly." Williams was born Lewis William Kaczmarek on January 12, 1934 in Chillicothe, Texas. After graduating from Adams High School, he briefly attended Midwestern State University before securring a position as a radio headliner on KTAT in Frederick, Oklahoma. He was eventually signed as a recording artist by Imperial Records in 1955. In 1957 he became a songwriter, taking influence from a variety of musical styles, including the blues, gospel music, and jazz. Lew eventually left the music life for good in January 1959 by giving his last appearance as a performer. He focused instead on song writing and talent management. Williams died in Winnsboro, Texas on September 1, 2019.

Note Author: Nolan Vallier