This week on Echoes of Indiana Avenue, learn about the life and music of Enoch “Sonny Boy” Williams, a rhythm & blues pianist and vocalist from Indianapolis. 

Williams cut a series of popular R&B recordings for Decca Records during the early 1940s. He’s best remembered for his 1943 single “Reverse the Charges”. That song was a minor hit for Williams and was covered by artists including Bud Powell and Etta Jones. 

Williams was born in London, Kentucky in 1917, but he was raised in Indianapolis. Williams began performing in 1935. He appeared often at Avenue venues, including The Cotton Club, The Rhumboogie, and Sunset Terrace.