The Claude “Fiddler” Williams Collection was gifted to UMKC Libraries in January 2009 by Blanche Fouse Williams, widow of Claude Williams. Inclusive dates are circa 1960s-2008, with the bulk of the collection dating from 1989-2004, the year of his death.

The manuscript materials include correspondence; contracts; numerous awards; event programs; posters; news clippings; photographs; and miscellaneous ephemera and memorabilia. In particular, the correspondence, awards and various honors illustrate the profound impact that Williams had on the world of jazz; and the photographs tell the story of a passionate musician who seemed to have more soul, ambition and energy than those half his age. While it lacks personal information about his childhood and early years in the music business, the collection clearly documents Williams’ latter-day accomplishments and critical acclaim that began in the late 1980s.

The audiovisual materials consists of video and audio recordings of live performances, radio broadcasts, and interviews of Claude Williams from 1982-2004.