Albany Area Blues Legend Ernie Williams Dead At 87

Ernie Williams, a blues legend that played many Albany area events, passed away earlier today.

WNYT reported that he suffered not only a heart attack, but also a massive cranial bleed. He was rushed to Albany Medical Center.

From Erniewilliams.com, Ernie lived in a shack on a Virginia Plantation. He played his first guitar in the 1930s. When he was 19, he got his ticket out of the south and moved to Harlem. Ernie played many places including The Apollo Theater in the 1950s. Moving into the 1960s brought Ernie to Albany where he’s been ever since.

Ernie has played all over the area, and almost everyone knew who Ernie was, and probably saw him playing the blues in at some place or event in the area. Rest in peace, Ernie.