John C. "Johnny" Williams (born October 31, 1936) was an American saxophonist who was known for his work in the jazz, blues and soul genres.
In the late-1960s, he did extensive work as a session musician in the horn sections of soul and blues groups, including Ike and Tina Turner and many Motown Records artists (The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Gladys Knight & the Pips, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, Gerald Wilson, Louis Bellson, and The Frank Capp/Nat Pierce Juggernaut (Big Band).
From 1970 to 1975 he was the baritone saxophonist in The Count Basie Orchestra, taking over for Cecil Payne, and then joined the group again in 1980 after the death of Charlie Fowlkes .
Williams remained with The Count Basie Orchestra until his retirement in May 2013, continuing with the group after Basie died and leadership passed on to Thad Jones, Frank Foster, Grover Mitchell, Bill Hughes, and Dennis Mackrel, and Scotty Barnhart as of September 2013.
John resides in South Carolina and continues to be a mentor to members of the Count Basie Orchestra and other musicians who seek his advice and experiences counsel.