Joe Williams (born Joseph Goreed; December 12, 1918 – March 29, 1999) was an American jazz singer.

Williams was born in Cordele, Georgia, the son of Willie Goreed and Anne Beatrice, née Gilbert.

He sometimes sang with big bands: from 1937 he performed with Jimmie Noone's Apex Club Orchestra, and also toured with Les Hite in the Midwest.

[3][4] After leaving the Basie band, Williams had a successful career as a soloist at festivals, in clubs, and on television.

He toured and made recordings with many other musicians, including Harry "Sweets" Edison in 1961–62, Junior Mance between 1962 and 1964, George Shearing in 1971, and Cannonball Adderley between 1973 and 1975.

He toured again with the Basie Orchestra, this time under the direction of Frank Foster, who had succeeded Thad Jones as leader of the band.

[2][10] Williams was added to the Jazz Wall of Fame of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers in 2001.