Tony Williams (
December 12,
1945 -
February 23,
1997) was an
American jazz drummer. His band, Lifetime, is considered a pioneer in the
fusion movement, a combination of rock music and jazz. He had early fame at age 17 with
Miles Davis and was the "spark" that ignited some of Miles' best post bop in the 1960's. He lived and taught in the
San Francisco Bay Area until his death.