Our much adored customer and friend Mr. Williams passed away yesterday, October 14, 2009. Here, we, the staff of Amoeba, celebrate his life and our lasting bond with this special man.
Mr. Williams was the quintessential Amoeba presence. Not just a customer (although he was our favorite), but also a spirit-lifting, gift-giving friend.
Mr Williams loved music. He loved Soul Music, from classic to current, from Ray Charles and Etta James to Gerald Levert and Mary J. Blige. He would find out about the newest independent release by a Johnnie Taylor or a Blue Magic, and let us know that we needed to have them.
Mr. Williams was incredibly generous, known to buy popsicles and drumsticks and ice cream sandwiches for the entire staff on particularly warm days. He was also known to give copies of a CD or loan a DVD of classic Sly Stone or James Brown performances.
He always had a good word for you, always made you smile, made you feel like you were in the right business.
His first name was Leslie, and he will be missed.
--David James
"Mr. Williams" was in Amoeba the day we opened in Berkeley, in November 1990, and almost every day for 7 years, until we opened our San Francisco store, which, conveniently, happened to be RIGHT BEHIND his home!!! From that point on, his daily visits were mainly at that store, though he still somehow continued to visit us in Berkeley and continued to add to his already amazing collection of music... as our #1 BEST CUSTOMER, we invited him down to help us celebrate the opening of our new Hollywood store on November 17th, 2001. HE CUT THE RIBBON FOR US, as thousands of new customers poured in!! Quite an honor for him, but even more so for us....This beautiful man brought so much joy to our workplace; we are forever deeply grateful for his presence in our lives. Wherever you are now, Mr. Williams, please know that we will NEVER forget you, and will always be inspired by your love for music and your beautiful spirit.
--Marc W
Mr. Leslie Williams was a proper gentleman. I enjoyed his style [the Count Basie captain's hat, a cravat, hounds tooth checked or navy blue jacket] and his warm avuncular presence. Mr. Williams, while shopping in my section, would regale me with tales about the Fillmore of the 40's & 50's, of seeing Lowell Fulson, Muddy Waters, Bobby Freeman and many more. Moments like that were as golden as they come. It's what's always been the joy for me in this job, getting the word from those who had been there, saw the greats, schooled you, and listened to you in return. It was like that for me in Detroit, and Mr. Williams became the West Coast music history teacher. This has the greatest place in my heart about what it means to work in a record store: meeting people, exchanging sounds, and learning from each other. To meet men like Mr. Leslie Williams. Thank you, sir.
--Tom Lynch
When I first met Mr. Williams I thought he
was some famous person cause of the way he carried himself and how he was always, always dipped (sharply dressed). Typically you’d think someone like that would be the kind of person that you could only get a wave or a nod from. But he was the opposite of that. He made it a point to smile, shake your hand, and see how you were doing. He'd greet me with a "what's goin on?" At times it was as if he could sense when I may not have been in the best of spirits and have me talk about something I liked to make me feel better about myself. I'm gonna always hear his voice tell me at the end of conversations…"don't work too hard now..." I'm going to miss him. He's the kind of person that whether you knew him well or barely knew him, you'll never forget him...R.I.P. Mr. Williams...."alright, you take care now..."--Luis Soria
My lasting memory of Mr. Williams will be the energy he carried with him at all times; even when walking with a cane seemed to be a lot of effort, he always had a smile for you and would always stop to have a chat about music, the weather, how you were feeling, or whatever. Seeing him would always brighten my day, even just the slightest bit. My favorite memory of Mr. Williams will be the outfits he would wear on the Fourth of July. He'd have a red, white and blue sequined suit that shimmered in even low light, and he looked much like James Brown singing "Living in America" -- patriotic, looking and feeling his best, proud, gleaming. I'll miss him, and I'll always associate him with better days, a better time, and the best people I've ever met.
--Mike Battaglia
Mr. Williams was a big part of Amoeba. He was, in a way, our spirit. He always brought the energy up, whether he was bringing us popsicles on a hot day or just passing through and taking the time to chat with us. I remember once when it rained, he had the most amazing yellow striped rain boots! He truly was a character, and someone none of us will forget.
--Sally
Mr. Williams was/is one of the kindest souls that will ever walk through the red doors at Amoeba SF. He was always dressed to the 9's, always had encouraging things to say...I was there the day he cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony for the Hollywood store -- his presence made the day that much more special, and I think one of the more touching moments we all shared was during the SF heatwave a few years back, when he bought the ENTIRE staff ice cream! Rest In Peace, dear friend, you will be missed...
--Brent James
When I first started working here, everyone talked about Mr. Williams, how he was such a great person, who loved his music and cared for the staff like they were his family. He always displayed such kindness to everyone. And the staff appreciated this so much about him.
At the registers there has always been the special Mr. Williams' infinity hold bag. Employees always kept their eyes open for music that he might want or need or might not have realized that he wanted or needed, but it was always there for him when he came in. He is the only person who has ever had an infinity hold and will be the only person who will ever have one here in SF.
Forever a member of the Amoeba family, he will be missed.
--Leah
Mr. Williams was a man that could really wear a hat. I loved seeing Leslie Williams' outfits (which were always coordinated head to toe and to the occasion), but I really loved seeing him. Mr. Williams was always kind and courteous, an Amoeba fixture and a community icon, and customers and employees alike were always delighted to see him. We chatted regularly (I worked in the sections he shopped the most, and we shared a love for the same music), but mostly we had jokes. My favorite running joke started the year Mr. Williams had a foot out of commission about the time of the Amoeba holiday party (which he attended every year). We kept teasing each other about which one of us was going to kick off the dance contest at the party. I would never take Mr. Williams' protestations about his foot seriously, saying I knew he still had moves even on one foot! Then I would demonstrate various one-legged moves I thought he could implement. Mr. Williams and I would then laugh uproariously every time. It never got old. Long after his foot healed, we were talking about the dance contest and I was making a fool of myself in the middle of the store just to hear him laugh.
--Shona
Such a bummer...Watching him cut the ribbon on opening day brought tears to my eyes...
--Jason Moore
I didn't get to interact with him too often, but when I did, he treated me with more respect than almost
any other customer. He was always in a good mood. He was there with a smile, and of course the sharpest dressed man this side of ZZ Top. I spoke with him very briefly on the telephone a few weeks ago and let him know that we miss him. It makes me glad that he heard that. I do think of him often, and will continue to do so.
--Scott Walker
Mr. Williams was a true gentleman. I only knew him thru our interactions at Amoeba; I wish I could have known him better. His sweet demeanor made him so loveable. And boy, could that man dress, always made me smile to see him. He will be greatly missed.
-Michael P
I met Mr. Williams at Streetlight Records when I worked there in the 90s. He came in almost every other day with a smile, a joke and kind words that we could count on. It was a small space and he always brightened it. We used to set aside new stuff from our promo buys, the new Brian McKnight or a new live Earth Wind and Fire that we knew he would want. We always thought that we were ahead of the game, that he would be so surprised, but often he would graciously tell us, "thank you, but I've already got that." We always wondered where he'd found these things -- no internet then -- but he never said. When I came to work at Amoeba, the store had been open less than a year but I found out right away that Mr. Williams was already Customer #1! I guess that all those years he was shopping at Rasputin or ...wherever, but he made our little store on Market Street feel like we were his only source for the good stuff.
Mr. Williams was from Waco, Texas, and, in a way, he was old-school, but it seemed to me that he embraced the Bay Area in all its weirdo glory. He never looked askance at the punk rocker or transvestite or anyone different shopping next to him. He connected with anyone in a love for music. Plus, he could out-dress them all!!
--Suzanne
I don't have just one memory of Mr. Williams, more of a montage. Every time he came into Amoeba he was ALWAYS well-dressed. This gentleman had more style, charisma & charm in his pinky finger than most of us will ever have or experience. He was a "throwback" or "old school," but more fresh than the freshest of our present times. Nothing about him seemed "put upon;" in other words, the man did not make much effort to be as cool as he will remain in my mind. He was there when they were inventing "cool." I think I even told him once, "when I grow up, I wanna be as cool as you are Mr. Williams." To which he smiled and said, "you already are." Straight class.
Mr. Williams usually made it just into the front door of Amoeba before he was shaking hands, smiling & chatting with everyone he knew in the place (which was just about everyone) & if he didn't know you, that was just a matter of time. I mean, seriously, the man was THE MAYOR. We get a lot of regulars here at Amoebowl but to everyone here who spent any amount of time chatting with him about music, his stories about the neighborhood (he lived just around the corner for many years), or just checking in with you about what was going on in your life, he was always an ABSOLUTE PLEASURE to be around. The man exuded a simple joy that was contagious. There would be times chatting with him at the buy counter that I would have to remind myself that there were other customers waiting for my help and excuse myself. Even as time started to take its toll on his body, Mr. Williams never seemed to let it invade his mind, never seemed too bothered by it, just accepting...saying something like, "well, it just takes me a little longer to get where I need to go." Well, sir, wherever you are going I hope and pray you are in peace. Eternal. See you again, Mr. Williams. I'll bring the music.
My condolences go to his family. My thoughts are with you.
Love, Brock
I loved seeing Mr. Williams at the store. He always had a smile and kind thought for me. The words that come to mind when I think of him are style, class, and grace. It was so awesome when he helped opened the Hollywood store; I couldn't think of a better kick off! It was a pleasure and an honor to know him. Whenever there is good music happening, his spirit will be there. Rest in peace my friend.
--Lisa Loomis
I encountered Mr. Williams at Amoeba Berkeley right before we opened our San Francisco store. He was ecstatic that an Amoeba was literally opening in his back yard, where he shared a parking lot with us. Of course, this didn't stop him from continuing to make the pilgrimage to Berkeley on the nights he didn't shop at the S.F. store. To this day he has an ongoing hold bag with items that didn't make the cut on a particular day, and that he would usually purchase the following evening. His tastes ran from soul to jazz with some gospel thrown in, too. He'd ask me if I had heard a particular CD, or tell me about an album that I needed to hear.
He dressed immaculately, was color coordinated and looked like a million bucks. He always had a good word for everyone, and was beloved by the entire staff.
RIP Mr. Williams, you are already missed.
--Joe Goldmark
Haiku for Mr. WIlliams
Farewell, Mr. Williams
Hope there's a good
Tailor up there in Heaven
--Thaddeus
------------------------------------------
Services for Mr Williams were held this past weekend.
Comments
I had been visiting a friend in Memphis and had finally, just gotten home. I got off the plane in Oakland or…maybe it was SFO. I don’t remember now. I’m driving the last stretch home. It’s raining, and now I have to find a parking spot in at least the near vicinity of my neighborhood. I’m losing patience. I turn on the radio. K-POO. And then out of nowhere, I find a spot. At last! I’m about to turn off the radio, miffed and exhausted, and suddenly I hear a voice. I’m sure of it. I feel the cold raindrops on my arm. The topic of conversation was The Spinners and...I believe…if I can… recall…also…Tammy Tyrell. I heard it. It was Mr. Williams. I’d recognize it anywhere! I sat in my car and listened to him for the next twenty minutes or so. You could not have removed the smile from my face with a crow bar. He was a kind and beautiful man. His heart was golden. His smile was devilishly gorgeous! How I, and many others, have dreamed of one day perusing the swelling shelves of his beloved record and cd collections. He was a truly lovely, generous, and beautiful gentleman.
having moved from the bay area to open the l.a. store in 2001, it was mr. williams cutting the ribbon that put that finishing touch of "soul" on amoeba south. his very demeanor reinforced a connection to our community, that special person that embodies the heart and soul of a record store. always dapper, infinitely respectful, and forever respected, mr. williams is as much a part of amoeba as the gray bins, yellow price tags, and the faces we all see every day. rest in peace.
There's really nothing I can add to his description here. I can tell you that there are tears streaming down my face and a lump in my throat that won't go away as I read everyone's tributes to this wonderful man. To aspire to carry myself with as much grace as you carried yourself, Mr. Williams, and show the world, by example, that there's too much to enjoy & honor in this fleeting existence to let the petty overcome you is my tribute. I won't let you down.
mr. williams was about the only customer i was always happy to see at the buy counter. i consistently gave him more than full credit on his returns. i think he's the only customer i've ever done that for. it truly is the end of an era.
Wow, Mr. Williams, your sartorial splendor and gentle soul will be sorely missed. I loved being there that opening day in Hollywood when everyone was wondering who the celebrity cutting the ribbon was. He was our favorite customer at Streetlight too (Hi Suzanne & Kenny!). Never knew his name was Leslie, though, always Mr. Williams. Such a gentleman.
Suzanne, Kenny and Aretha have heard this story already, but I want to share it with others.
Mr. Wiliiams' generous nature extended outside of the record store. Years ago, my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the UCSF Moffit hospital. My family and I spent many days there on and off for a few months. On the second of many, many trips down to the cafeteria for coffee, I saw Mr. Williams down there on a break, he worked for Moffit. He saw me with a look of recognition, but couldn't quite place me. "Streetlight Records" I said and he gave me a huge grin. He asked why I was there and reached for my hand as I told him. That is how he greeted me every time we saw each other in the cafeteria and months later at the store, my first day back, when I told him my father had passed. His mere presence was a beacon of comfort and I thanked him for that. I thanked him every time after that with the deepest of discounts I could give him, and full exchanges for whatever reason he gave. It didn't matter, he was Mr. Williams.
My memories of him, popsicles on hot days, kind words from a smooth voice, kind words from a gentle soul, more knowledge of soul music that your average record store clerk, grace, dignity, respect, Sunday best on a Sunday afternoon.
With a heavy heart, goodbye Mr. Williams. You will remembered and always missed.
Leslie Williams is my big brother. Although I am devastated by the loss of my dear brother, my heart is warmed by all of the heartfelt tributes by all of you. Leslie developed a love for music at a very young age. He told me that our mother bought him a portable record player and he used to stay up at night and listen to music. He loved all music and all people. It is so good knowing that others saw Leslie's true spirit and loved and befriended him. Thank you all for your comments and the love that you showed my beloved brother. God Bless each of you.
Leslie is our cousin. He used to babysit my brother and me when we younger. It's great hearing the impact that he had on others. There are so many people who unfortunately never know that others, besides the family, care. Gratefully, Leslie was not one of them, for he was truly loved and respected. Thank you for your healing comments during our time of grief.
My deepest condolences to the family; such a loss is truly incomprehensible and staggering. For every individual here who has spoken on how much Mr. Williams touched their lives with the endless ways his spirit had- I am thankful. I'm coming in late for the many, many who are not good with words, who never know what to say, and the many who have not yet heard and have shock and grief waiting for them at some grim point in the future. These days, whether you are walking down the street or watching the nightly news- you realize that Mr. Williams exemplified the behavior we need so many more people to adopt, and I include myself. He is so well described above, and when I heard he had gone, my immediate thoughts were that now he should feel no more pain and that our world had lost another of it's quiet heroes. But also a hope, I guess it is a selfish hope- that the Spirit Mister Williams embodied with his grace and beauty, that somehow every time he walked over the doorway into Amoeba and out, and then back in again, that the energy of all of those visits full of smiles and happiness, exuding kindness and decency, that this energy could somehow remain- like a blessing woven over time. I'd be a liar if I didn't also admit that I pictured Mr. Williams entering the Pearly Gates- smiling and exuding love -clasping hands long waited to hold again- tears of Joy, and all around him, the Angels sort of self-consciously straightening their robes and checking their hems, whispering amongst themselves to wonder if God would ever, you know, let them wear hats? I suppose now there's a shortage of smiles and decency that needs doing- slack to be picked up now that Mister Williams has gone, and it falls to all of us who loved him. Thank you, Mister Williams.
Wow...just got home from shopping at Amoeba today and saw this...as soon as I saw "Mr. Williams" on the website's main page, I knew who it was immediately. I used to work at one of the "other" record stores in town he used to frequent (thank you suzanne) and I simply can't add anything that hasn't already been mentioned.
Class act all the way, and astounded me with how much he knew about music. Haven't seen him in 11 years, yet he's one of the FEW customers I still think about often!!!