Nelson Williams (trumpeter)

Nelson "Cadillac" Williams (September 26, 1917, Montgomery, Alabama – 1973, Voorburg, the Netherlands) was an American jazz trumpeter.

In the 1930s, he played in the territory bands Trianon Crackerjacks and Brown Skin Models, and acted as musical director for the Dixie Rhythm Girls.

Around 1940, he left Alabama for Philadelphia, where he played with Tiny Bradshaw's band before joining the U.S. Army during World War II.

In 1949, he began the first of several stints with Duke Ellington, who bestowed upon him the nickname "Cadillac".

In 1951, he left Ellington's employ and moved to Paris, where he led his own bands and recorded for French labels.