Tony Williams is the name of more than one artist. 1) American jazz drummer 2) Video game music composer 1) Tony Williams (December 12, 1945 – February 23, 1997) was an American jazz drummer. Born in Chicago and growing up in Boston, Williams began studies with master drummer Alan Dawson at an early age and began playing professionally at the age of 13 with saxophonist Sam Rivers. Jackie McLean hired Williams at 16. Then at 17, Williams found considerable fame with Miles Davis