Claude Berkeley Williamson, born November 18, 1926 and died July 16, 2016, was an American jazz pianist. Williamson attended the New England Conservatory of Music and then moved to jazz. He was influenced by Teddy Wilson, Al Haig, and Bud Powell. He moved to California in 1947, first working with Teddy Edwards. Then he worked with Red Norvo in San Francisco in 1949 with Charlie Barnet, then for two years with June Christy. He worked later with Max Roach and Art Pepper. Williamson was an active member of the Lighthouse All-Stars, substituting for Russ Freeman as pianist. He performed with Bud Shank and Stan Levey, Bob Cooper and Conte Candoli. He was the pianist in the Bud Shank Quartet’s 1956 concert. He began his career as a pianist at NBC in 1968, first for The Andy Williams Show and then for Sonny and Cher. Williamson returned to jazz in 1978 and released several albums for Japanese labels. He was often accompanied by Sam Jones or Roy Haynes. He recorded a trio for Fresh Sound Records in 1995 at the Jazz Bakery, Los Angeles. His younger brother, trumpeter Stu Williamson (1933-1991), was his father. He died at the age 89 on July 16, 2016.
