Charles Isaac Williams, born on July 18, 1932, in Halls, Tennessee, is an American jazz musician known for his work as an alto saxophonist. Williams moved to Alton, Illinois, at the age of eight, where he began his musical journey by playing in the junior high school band. He pursued music education at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, and later taught orchestral music in St. Albans, Queens, New York.

Williams's career as a musician flourished in the early 1970s when he released three albums with the Mainstream label. His discography from this period includes "Charles Williams" (1971), "Trees and Grass and Things" (1971), and "Stickball" (1972). In addition to his solo work, he collaborated with notable artists such as Clark Terry, Frank Foster, and singer Ruth Brown.

After a hiatus, Williams returned to recording in 1995 when Hamiett Bluiett convinced record producer Pierre Sprey to record Williams's first album in over two decades with the Mapleshade label, resulting in the release of "When Alto Was King" in 1997. Throughout his career, Williams has been recognized for his contributions to jazz and soul jazz genres.