Joe Williams

Joe Williams (1918 - 1999) was a jazz singer who performed with Count Basie and others. In later decades, he had a recurring guest role on The Cosby Show as Al Hanks, Claire's father.

Williams appeared several times on Sesame Street in the 1980s and early 1990s, including the celebrity version of "Put Down the Duckie." He also performed the song "The Birdland Jump."