Tony Williams (drummer)

Tony Williams (December 12, 1945 - February 23, 1997) was an American jazz drummer. His 1970's band, Lifetime (with John McLaughlin and Larry Young), was a pioneer of the fusion movement, a combination of rock, R&B, and jazz. He had early fame at age 17 with Miles Davis and was the "spark" that ignited some of Miles' best post bop in the 1960's. He lived and taught in the San Francisco Bay Area until his death.