What was William B. Williams' birth name and where was he born?

William B. Williams was born William Breitbard in Babylon, New York. He was born on August 6, 1923.

What was William B. Williams' primary profession and for which radio station did he work for over four decades?

William B. Williams was an American disc jockey. He worked for the New York City radio station WNEW for over four decades.

What was the name of William B. Williams' popular radio program on WNEW?

William B. Williams hosted the popular program titled Make Believe Ballroom on WNEW.

What significant title did William B. Williams coin for Frank Sinatra?

William B. Williams is particularly noted for coining the title "Chairman of the Board" for the famous singer Frank Sinatra.

In what unusual publication did William B. Williams make an appearance, and who were the comic book characters involved?

William B. Williams made an unusual appearance in the November 1966 issue of Detective Comics. The story involved Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson, the civilian identities of Batman and Robin, appearing on his radio show, and he was featured prominently on the cover.

What was William B. Williams' birth name, and who was his brother?

Born William Breitbard, William B. Williams had a brother named Ric Roman, who was a character actor known for Hollywood films and television.

What was William B. Williams' educational background before entering radio?

William B. Williams attended Syracuse University for one year after graduating from Babylon Senior High School, but he dropped out before completing his studies.

How did William B. Williams get his start in radio at WAAT in Newark, New Jersey?

While visiting a friend at WAAT in Newark, New Jersey, in 1944, William B. Williams was hired as a staff announcer. He stepped into the role because the regular all-night show host had just been fired for being intoxicated on the air.

What led to William B. Williams' initial firing from WNEW in 1947?

William B. Williams was fired from WNEW in 1947 by station manager Bernice Judis. While one account suggested it was due to his aggressive tactics as a shop steward, the official reason given was that Judis found his lack of style unacceptable after seeing his feet propped on the desk, clad in bright red socks, during a broadcast.

After his initial departure, when was William B. Williams rehired by WNEW, and what shows did he host?

William B. Williams was rehired at WNEW in 1953, following a change in management. Upon his return, he hosted The William B. Williams Show in the morning hours and Music in a Sentimental Mood in the afternoon.

Who originated the Make Believe Ballroom program, and how did William B. Williams come to host it?

Martin Block was the originator of the Make Believe Ballroom program in New York. After Block left WNEW for ABC Radio in 1954, Jerry Marshall hosted the show for three years before William B. Williams was selected to take over the program.

What were some of William B. Williams' distinctive on-air identifiers and nicknames?

William B. Williams marked his broadcasts with a distinctive sign-on, "Hello, world." He occasionally used pseudonyms such as "Guilliermo B. Guilliermos" or "Wolfgang B. Wolfgang," though he was affectionately known to listeners and friends simply as "Willie B."

How did William B. Williams' broadcasting style captivate listeners?

William B. Williams captivated listeners by combining his intimate knowledge of music with personal anecdotes. This approach created a smooth and engaging style that resonated with his audience.

How did William B. Williams' relationship with Frank Sinatra develop, and what was the significance of the "Chairman of the Board" title?

William B. Williams befriended Frank Sinatra early in his career when Sinatra recorded broadcasts at WNEW. Williams coined the "Chairman of the Board" title for Sinatra after musing that Sinatra needed a title comparable to "King of Swing" for Benny Goodman or "duke" for Duke Ellington. Sinatra embraced the title, and Williams later played a crucial role in keeping Sinatra's career viable by continuing to play his music when interest in standards waned.

What was William B. Williams' stance on the emergence of rock 'n' roll music in the 1950s?

William B. Williams was strongly against the emergence of rock 'n' roll music, describing much of it as "so bad it's embarrassing." He believed that teenagers were eager to hear "good music" and felt that disc jockeys and radio stations shared blame for the declining quality of music being broadcast.

How did WNEW's music format evolve during the late 1950s and 1960s, and how did Williams react?

Beginning in the late 1950s and continuing into the 1960s, WNEW started incorporating softer rock tunes into its playlist, alongside pop standards, shifting towards a MOR (Middle of the Road) format. Although Williams disliked many of these songs, he played them when required by the station's evolving format.

Describe the changes in WNEW's format during the 1970s and the subsequent return to a standards format.

In the 1970s, WNEW transitioned to a more adult contemporary format, playing very few pop standards. Williams considered the period from 1965 to 1978 to be the station's worst. However, in the fall of 1979, WNEW began restoring the standards format on weekends, middays, and late nights, reviving Make Believe Ballroom on October 6. By January 1981, WNEW fully adopted the standards format across its programming.

What television programs did William B. Williams participate in besides his radio career?

William B. Williams made occasional forays into television. He co-hosted a very early music program called Adventures in Jazz on CBS in 1949, served as an announcer/sidekick and occasional host for ABC's Nightlife in 1965, and held the same role on Sammy Davis Jr.'s syndicated talk show, Sammy and Company, from 1975 to 1977.

How was William B. Williams parodied on the Canadian comedy show SCTV?

William B. Williams' work as an announcer/sidekick on Sammy and Company inspired a recurring parody character on the Canadian comedy show SCTV. Played by John Candy, the character was also named "William B. Williams" and served as the announcer/sidekick for SCTV's Sammy Maudlin character, though the parody did not aim for a physical or vocal resemblance.

What commercial work did William B. Williams do in the late 1970s and mid-1980s?

From the late 1970s until the mid-1980s, William B. Williams served as a television spokesman for the New York-based Genovese Drug Stores chain. In his commercials, he promoted weekly specials and delivered the tagline "A real drug store, and so much more!"

What national radio show did William B. Williams host in the mid-1980s?

In the last year of his life, during the mid-1980s, William B. Williams hosted Encore, a national radio show syndicated by Westwood One. Episodes of this show were later re-syndicated in 1989 and 1990.

What was William B. Williams' involvement with the New York Friars' Club?

William B. Williams was a long-time member and officer of the New York Friars' Club. He was honored as Man of the Year by the club in 1984, with Frank Sinatra hosting the ceremony, and received the Friars Club Foundation's Applause Award in 1985 for his charitable work.

What special recognition did William B. Williams receive from the Friars Club regarding their facilities?

William B. Williams is among a select group of notable figures, including Frank Sinatra and George Burns, to have a room named in his honor at the Friars Club in Manhattan.

Who was William B. Williams married to, and did they have children?

William B. Williams was married to Dotty Mack, who was also a radio personality in Cincinnati and appeared on the DuMont Television Network. They had one son named Jeffrey B. Williams.

What health issue did William B. Williams face in the years leading up to his death?

In 1985, William B. Williams underwent surgery for colon cancer.

When did William B. Williams die, and what were the causes of his death?

William B. Williams died on August 3, 1986, just three days before his 63rd birthday. His death was attributed to acute anemia and respiratory failure.

Where is William B. Williams interred, and what is notable about his burial plot?

William B. Williams is interred at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York. His burial plot is part of the grounds belonging to the Friars Club.

What posthumous honor did William B. Williams receive in 2006?

In 2006, William B. Williams was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the medium.

What was the approximate annual salary William B. Williams earned by 1965?

By 1965, Billboard reported that William B. Williams was earning $105,000 a year, which was the highest salary at WNEW at that time.

What was the name of the station where William B. Williams first worked as a staff announcer?

William B. Williams' first role as a staff announcer was at WAAT in Newark, New Jersey.

What was the name of the television program Dotty Mack, William B. Williams' wife, appeared on?

Dotty Mack, William B. Williams' wife, appeared on a television program carried on the DuMont Television Network.

What is the significance of the William B. Williams Room at the Friars Club?

The William B. Williams Room is located on the third floor of the New York Friars' Club and is named in honor of the renowned DJ, signifying his esteemed membership and contributions to the club.

What was the name of the syndicated radio show William B. Williams hosted in the mid-1980s?

In the mid-1980s, William B. Williams hosted a national radio show called Encore, which was syndicated by Westwood One.

What specific reason did Bernice Judis cite for firing William B. Williams, according to one account?

According to one account, Bernice Judis, the station manager at WNEW, was horrified by William B. Williams' lack of style when she found him with his feet propped on the desk, wearing bright red socks, which led to his firing.

What was the name of the comic book where William B. Williams appeared alongside Batman and Robin?

William B. Williams appeared in Detective Comics, specifically in an issue that featured Batman and Robin.

What was William B. Williams' role on Sammy Davis Jr.'s talk show?

William B. Williams served as the announcer and sidekick on Sammy Davis Jr.'s syndicated talk show, Sammy and Company, which aired from 1975 through 1977.

What was the name of the music program William B. Williams co-hosted in 1949?

In 1949, William B. Williams co-hosted a music program called Adventures in Jazz, which aired on CBS.

What was William B. Williams' role on ABC's Nightlife?

William B. Williams served as the announcer and sidekick, and occasionally as a host himself, on the television program ABC's Nightlife, which aired in 1965.

What was the name of the Friars Club award William B. Williams received in 1985?

In 1985, William B. Williams received the Friars Club Foundation's Applause Award in recognition of his charitable efforts.

What was William B. Williams' birth year and age at the time of his death?

William B. Williams was born in 1923 and died in 1986 at the age of 62, just three days before his 63rd birthday.

What nickname did William B. Williams use for himself on air, besides his pseudonyms?

While he used pseudonyms like "Guilliermo B. Guilliermos" and "Wolfgang B. Wolfgang," William B. Williams was commonly known to his listeners and friends as "Willie B."

What was the name of the station where Martin Block, the originator of Make Believe Ballroom, moved to?

Martin Block, the original host of Make Believe Ballroom, left WNEW to take a new job at ABC Radio.

What did William B. Williams believe teenagers were hungry to hear in terms of music?

William B. Williams believed that teenagers were hungry to hear good music, expressing concern over the quality of music being broadcast during the rise of rock 'n' roll.

What was the name of the show William B. Williams hosted in the afternoon from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. after being rehired at WNEW?

After being rehired at WNEW in 1953, William B. Williams hosted a show called Music in a Sentimental Mood in the afternoon from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

What was the name of William B. Williams' brother, and what was his profession?

William B. Williams' brother was Ric Roman, who worked as a character actor in Hollywood films and television.

What was the name of the Friars Club event where William B. Williams was honored as Man of the Year?

William B. Williams was honored as Man of the Year by the Friars Club in 1984, in a ceremony hosted by Frank Sinatra.

What was the tagline William B. Williams used as a TV spokesman for Genovese Drug Stores?

As a TV spokesman for Genovese Drug Stores, William B. Williams delivered the tagline "A real drug store, and so much more!"

What was the name of the radio station where William B. Williams worked for over four decades?

William B. Williams worked for the New York City radio station WNEW for over four decades.

What did Billboard report about William B. Williams' earnings in 1965?

In 1965, Billboard reported that William B. Williams was earning $105,000 a year, making him the top earner at WNEW at that time.

What was the name of the comic book issue where William B. Williams appeared?

William B. Williams appeared in Detective Comics #357.

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Profile at a Glance

William B. Williams
Born	William Breitbard (1923-08-06)August 6, 1923 Babylon, New York, US
Died	August 3, 1986(1986-08-03) (aged 62) New York City, US
Spouse	Dotty Mack
Children	1
Career
Show	Make Believe Ballroom
Station	WNEW
Style	Disk Jockey

Early Life and Beginnings

From Breitbard to Williams

Born William Breitbard on August 6, 1923, in Babylon, New York, William B. Williams embarked on his broadcasting journey after a brief stint at Syracuse University. His early career saw him join WAAT in Newark, New Jersey, in 1944. A chance encounter led him to WNEW in New York City, where he was initially hired but later dismissed in 1947. Reports suggest this dismissal stemmed from a perceived lack of decorum, highlighting the strict standards of the era's broadcasting industry.

Building a Career

Following his departure from WNEW, Williams honed his skills at other stations, including WOR. His return to WNEW in 1953 marked a significant turning point. He hosted various programs, including the morning show and the afternoon program Music in a Sentimental Mood, establishing his presence and distinctive style on the New York airwaves.

The Legendary 'Make Believe Ballroom'

Defining an Era

In 1954, following Martin Block's departure, Williams took the helm of the iconic Make Believe Ballroom program at WNEW. He infused the show with his unique personality, using signature sign-ons like "Hello, world" and playfully adopting pseudonyms such as "Guilliermo B. Guilliermos." His intimate knowledge of music, particularly the Great American Songbook, combined with personal anecdotes, created a captivating listening experience. By 1965, his success was evident, earning him the station's highest salary.

Sinatra's Chairman

Williams cultivated deep relationships with the era's greatest singers. His friendship with Frank Sinatra, forged during Sinatra's broadcasts at WNEW, led to a pivotal moment. Williams' musing about Sinatra's title, suggesting "Chairman of the Board" in contrast to Benny Goodman's "King of Swing," resonated deeply. Sinatra embraced the title, and Williams' continued support of Sinatra's music during periods of waning popularity is credited with significantly aiding the crooner's career longevity.

Navigating Musical Tastes

A Skeptic of Rock 'n' Roll

In the burgeoning rock 'n' roll era of the 1950s, Williams remained a staunch critic. He famously stated, "Most of it's so bad it's embarrassing," reflecting a belief in the importance of vocal proficiency and musical quality. An advertisement even depicted him holding his nose at the mention of rock 'n' roll. He felt radio personalities shared responsibility for the quality of music presented to audiences, advocating for a return to what he considered "good music."

Format Evolution

Despite his personal reservations, WNEW gradually incorporated softer rock elements into its format in the late 1950s and 1960s, positioning itself as a Middle of the Road (MOR) station. Williams, though often playing music he disliked, adapted to these shifts. By the 1970s, the station leaned heavily into adult contemporary. However, WNEW eventually reinstated its standards format on weekends and nights in 1979, reviving the Make Believe Ballroom title, much to Williams' satisfaction. The station adopted the standards format full-time in 1981.

Beyond the Radio Booth

Television Appearances

Williams extended his presence beyond radio, making occasional appearances on television. He served as an announcer and sidekick on shows like CBS's early music program Adventures in Jazz (1949) and ABC's late-night competitor ABC's Nightlife (1965). He also held a similar role on Sammy Davis Jr.'s syndicated talk show, Sammy and Company (1975–1977).

Cultural Impact

His role on Sammy and Company inspired a memorable parody on the Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV, featuring John Candy as a character named "William B. Williams." While the character borrowed the name and role, it was distinct from the real Williams. Later in his career, from the late 1970s to mid-1980s, Williams became a familiar face as a TV spokesman for Genovese Drug Stores, delivering their memorable tagline.

National Reach

In the final years of his life, Williams hosted Encore, a nationally syndicated radio show distributed by Westwood One. His episodes continued to be broadcast posthumously, extending his reach and influence across the country.

The Friars Club Connection

Esteemed Member

William B. Williams was a dedicated member and officer of the prestigious New York Friars' Club. His significant contributions were recognized when he was named "Man of the Year" by the club in 1984, an event hosted by his close friend, Frank Sinatra. The Friars Club Foundation further honored him with its Applause Award the following year, acknowledging his extensive charitable work.

A Room in His Name

His esteemed status within the Friars Club led to a unique honor: a room within the club's midtown Manhattan headquarters was named in his memory. This distinction places him among a select group of legendary figures, including Frank Sinatra, George Burns, Billy Crystal, and Milton Berle, who have received similar recognition.

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Health

Williams was married to Dotty Mack, a radio personality in Cincinnati and a performer on the DuMont Television Network. Together, they had a son, Jeffrey B. Williams. In 1985, Williams faced a personal health battle when he underwent surgery for colon cancer. He passed away on August 3, 1986, just shy of his 63rd birthday, due to acute anemia and respiratory failure.

Enduring Recognition

William B. Williams was interred at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York, in a plot designated for the Friars Club. His lasting impact on the broadcasting industry was formally recognized in 2006 when he was posthumously inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in American radio history.

References

"GCD :: Cover :: Detective Comics #357".
Hinckley, David, "No Jock: William B. Williams, New York Daily News, October 11, 2005
"William B. Williams, Radio Personality, Dies", The New York Times, August 4, 1986
Nightingale Gordon, WNEW - Where the Melody Lingers On, 1984.
Billboard, March 27, 1965
Friars Club website
"Museum of Broadcast Communications website". Archived from the original on 2008-01-28. Retrieved 2007-08-21.

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References

Hinckley, David, "No Jock: William B. Williams, New York Daily News, October 11, 2005

"William B. Williams, Radio Personality, Dies", The New York Times, August 4, 1986

Friars Club website

A full list of references for this article are available at the William B. Williams (DJ) Wikipedia page

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William B. Williams: The Maestro of the Airwaves

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Profile at a Glance 🎙️

Early Life and Beginnings ⭐

👶 From Breitbard to Williams

📻 Building a Career

The Legendary 'Make Believe Ballroom' 🎶

👑 Defining an Era

⭐ Sinatra's Chairman

Navigating Musical Tastes 🎵

🚫 A Skeptic of Rock 'n' Roll

🔄 Format Evolution

Beyond the Radio Booth 🎬

📺 Television Appearances

🎭 Cultural Impact

🌐 National Reach

The Friars Club Connection 🏆

🤝 Esteemed Member

🏛️ A Room in His Name

Personal Life and Legacy ❤️

👨‍👩‍👧 Family and Health

🌟 Enduring Recognition

References 📚

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Profile at a Glance

Early Life and Beginnings

From Breitbard to Williams

Building a Career

The Legendary 'Make Believe Ballroom'

Defining an Era

Sinatra's Chairman

Navigating Musical Tastes

A Skeptic of Rock 'n' Roll

Format Evolution

Beyond the Radio Booth

Television Appearances

Cultural Impact

National Reach

The Friars Club Connection

Esteemed Member

A Room in His Name

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Health

Enduring Recognition

References

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice