Washington, District of Columbia
WILLIAMS, BARNETT EDWARD
On Friday, March 3, 2006, beloved son of the late Berry and Aretha Williams. He is survived by his son, Barnett O. Williams; sister, Carolyn A. Miller; life partner, Janice Burgess; two nieces, six nephews and other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held on...
Read MoreJust saw you on a SNL reel with Gil. Your warmth, kindness and musicianship will always be remembered. Rest with the ancestors.
Pamela Holt
February 15, 2025 | Friend
And here we are...2024, and we honor your presence of the past eternally. Needless to say you are missed by all who experienced your humanity. Words now swirl around in my head as I try to express the Love in my heart that few musicians ever do with words...We play it out...On your day I am going to Malcolm X to say just that...Peace Brother,...the elusive sentiment we all seek.
Brother Babatu
March 03, 2024
Continue to have great memories of Barnett's drum work. He was an inspiration and a true legacy.
kehembe
March 02, 2022
Earl is looking sraight-ahead!
Habari Gani! It's getting cool again. This season we played Afro-Cuban rhythms all summer (congas only) to counteract the cacophony of the enthusiastic albeit untrained djembe drum circle participants. They resist instruction.
Brother Earl departed in December at 73, a few weeks before his birthday. He has been added to the Drum Call. We are all getting up there,....I/we still feel you.
October 22, 2016
Rest In Peace
Charles Khumalo
November 24, 2015 | London
Bro. Barnett we shall always cherish and remember your drum messages in the DC community. Continue to rest well, watch and teach.
kehembe
October 06, 2015 | DC
Brother I just found out you made the transition this very moment, and I wanted to say that I saw you on Saturday Night Live playing will Gil Scot Heron and you stood out to me more than anyone in the band!!!!
You were shaking that shaker and you went absolutely mow mow with it!!!!!
Your performance was so good, the camera man focused on you the entire song. Richard Pryor was the host that night! Peace man, I love you, yet I never knew you!
Danny Dooberstein
October 04, 2015 | Nashville, TN
Well Brother, We kicked the season off yesterday with Rhythms dedicated to you,..Bright Moments indeed. Malcolm X Park is more Meridian Hill today. The Drum Circle has rough edges albeit the Old-Timers are trying to hold the line. We may move to Marvin Gaye Park. You are still missed!
Babatu Y Olubayo
April 13, 2015 | Fort Washington, MD
Saw you recently on a rerun of SNL. Brought back many memories of you and the drum collective ancestors. Continue to rest and send your teaching/playing energies to the young drummers.
kehembe
March 16, 2015 | DC
