Tony Williams began playing drums as a child, studying with the great Alan Dawson in his home city of Boston. By 13, he was playing professionally with Sam Rivers. In 1961, saxophonist Jackie McLean came to town for an engagement that included Williams on drums. He was so floored by Williams that he brought him to New York to record with him. The next year, Miles Davis hired the 17-year-old to join the group that would become his second great quintet. With the most epic pedigree imaginable, Williams embarked on a solo career that has never fallen short of his auspicious beginnings.