September 24, 2022: John Williams
John Williams was born in February 1932 in Long Island, New York, and moved to Los Angeles in 1948. A pianist and a player of brass, Williams joined the Air Force in 1952. He went to basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and was subsequently stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, after requesting to join a military band. In the Grand Canyon State, Williams simultaneously enrolled for courses at the University of Arizona, enjoying a “wonderful year.”
After serving in Arizona, Williams was ordered to St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Labrador in Canada, spending two years there as a pianist and a brass double in a band while also writing for its chorus. With permission from his commander, Williams and his band conducted a short film score for Newfoundland with the Atlantic Films company. At that time, the command of which the band was a part served not only Newfoundland but also other areas, including Greenland and Iceland, allowing Williams and his fellow band members to take part in the initial stage of the international outreach campaign of the Air Force.
Williams has composed the most memorable music for many of the biggest or most popular films in history, but it was “Saving Private Ryan” that impacted him significantly, reminding him of his experience living as a child through the Korean War. In 2016, more than 50 years after his completion of military service, he stated that writing a new piece for the Air Force Band “would be something that he would love to try to do.” He also credits the Air Force for advancing his music education, having been able to use his experience to play with and study from others within the band.
In addition to composing film scores since completing his service, Williams has composed for countless events, including the inauguration of President Barack Obama, the celebrations for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty and the 2006 presentation of the National Football League. He has also been awarded the National Medal of Arts, the Olympic Order and honorary degrees from 21 universities across the nation.
We honor his service.
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Writer: Khaled Maalouf
Editors: Tayler Rairigh, Brooke Wolfenbarger
Researcher: Raphael Romea
Graphic Designer: Yasmine Pierce
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