Mar 2, 2026 9:58 PM
In Memoriam: John Hammond Jr., 1942–2026
John P. Hammond (aka John Hammond Jr.), a blues guitarist and singer who was one of the first white American…
Chris Williams
(Photo: Courtesy American Pianists Association)Chris Williams has stepped into the role of president and CEO of The American Pianists Association as he takes over for interim CEO Joanne Bennett, who has led the organization since July 2022.
Williams joins the American Pianists Association after serving five years as executive vice president of the Concert Artists Guild (CAG) in New York. During his time at CAG, he mentored young artists and connected them with top industry presenters, managers and tastemakers. Williams was instrumental in brokering multiple partnerships with organizations including Kaufman Music Center, Death of Classical and Young Classical Artists Trust in London.
“The American Pianists Association has searched for a person with creativity, vision, passion for serving young piano artists and our diverse community, extensive musical leadership experience and a presence that inspires,” Board Chair William C. Sando, M.D., said. “We are excited to report that we found all of these traits in Chris Williams.”
Prior to his appointment at CAG, Williams worked as an arts consultant at Williams Arts Consulting, connecting with collegiate music students across the country. He has been a guest speaker on professional development at Yale University, University of Illinois, University of North Texas and the Cliburn Junior Piano Competition.
Known for his work with artists on all career levels, Williams served as vice president at Judson Management Group, where he secured more than 200 engagements for top artists including Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and Attacca Quartet. Additionally, as artist manager at Frank Salomon Associates, Williams represented legendary artists and top pianists including Richard Goode, Sir Simon Rattle, Jaime Laredo and Leon Fleisher.
“The American Pianists Association’s dedication to advancing the careers of solo pianists is an endeavor I’m extremely passionate about,” Williams said. “These musicians consistently exhibit a sensational level of artistry and deserve more support in the classical and jazz genres. I am excited to use the relationships I’ve built over the course of my career to contribute to the success of our future Awards finalists. The American Pianists Association has deep roots in the communities they serve, and I look forward to finding new ways to connect with our audiences in Indianapolis and beyond.”
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Hammond came to the blues through the folk boom of the late 1950s and early 1960s, which he experienced firsthand in New York’s Greenwich Village.
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