William Anthony Madison, Jr.

Louisville Jazz Legend
(June 2, 1930-December 23, 2017) William Anthony Madison, Jr. was born in Louisville, KY on June 2, 1930. He was the third child of William Anthony Madison, Sr. and Oyama Cunningham Madison, both who preceded him in death; along with siblings Arlette Madison Harkins and James W. Madison and daughter Paula Madison. William's maternal great grandfather played for dignitaries such as, Queen Victoria of England and President Zachary Taylor. Madison quite naturally inherited the family music gene while growing up in the Smoketown neighborhood of Louisville, KY. Quiet as it's kept, Billy started his musical journey studying the violin as a student of the Bouregard School of Music! Once Billy began attending Central Colored High School; he gravitated towards playing the piano and would even pen the music to the school's anthem.

Billy would come to love both music and independence. He married three times before becoming a widower: the late Juanita Ovitie, Edna Helm and the late Monzelle Saulsberry. After his first marriage ended, Madison was drafted in the United States Army circa 1950. On the way to Hawaii, he would play every afternoon on the ship, drawing crowds and eventually known as the ship's unofficial musician. The captain gave a special Letter of Recognition, thanking Billy for using the gift of music during its sail to Hawaii.

Billy's musical career (circa 1948-2012) was marked by countless public and private performances, events and many night clubs; including those from the Old Walnut Street Renaissance: the Diamond Horseshoe, the Elks Club, the Top Hat, Joe's Palm Room, La Commode, Polynesian, and Syl's Lounge. Billy turned down an unbelievable amount of opportunities to achieve greater fame; including offers playing with jazz greats such as Arthur Prysock, Big Maybelle, Jackie "Moms" Mabley, James "Bob" Atcher and even a record deal with Dot Records (Nashville, TN). He would play an organ left-handed and piano right-handed simultaneously; which was a sight to see in those early days. Billy lived for music---everything he did revolved around it! Madison's dedication to the arts would eventually earn a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Godfrey Foundation, recognizing his work as a renowned jazz organist from 1948-1992.

Billy's latter years were spent playing for local churches until health would not permit. He spent these golden years remembering the days that brought so much joy to many local communities and fulfillment. His second wife, Edna (Helm) Madison, who witnessed the greater part of Madison's career and served as his business consultant, shared many memories of Billy's golden era.

On Saturday evening, December 23rd, as others prepared for Christmas, William would prepare to meet the King himself. Madison leaves to cherish his memory, former wife/business partner Ms. Edna Helm Madison; children; William A. Madison, III, Denise Madison, Kevin A. Madison, Anthony B. Madison, Sr. (Jacqueline) and Jamie Y. Keith. He also leaves many grand and great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of dear friends.

Visitation will be from 9am-10:30am on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel, 235 Juneau Drive in Middletown, with a celebration of Billy's life at 10:30am. Interment will follow at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central in Radcliff, Kentucky at 1:30pm.

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