Davis had been in something of a creative lull, and critics noted the young Tony Williams's playing spurred the others on.

[5][10] In 1979, Williams, McLaughlin and bassist Jaco Pastorius united for a performance at the Havana Jazz Festival.

Eventually Williams formed his own acoustic quintet with trumpeter Wallace Roney, saxophonist Bill Pierce, pianist Mulgrew Miller and bassist Ira Coleman.

The quintet played Williams's compositions almost exclusively, recording and touring extensively from 1986 to 1992, culminating in The Story of Neptune album.

Williams guested with the band Public Image Limited, fronted by John Lydon, on their release Album (1986).

On February 20, 1997, Williams checked into Seton Medical Center in Daly City, California, suffering from stomach pain.

With Chet Baker With Ron Carter With Miles Davis With Tommy Flanagan With Herbie Hancock With Jackie McLean With Grachan Moncur III With Sonny Rollins With McCoy Tyner With others