The album 'For the First Time' was released in 1974 by Pablo Records, produced by Norman Granz. This record is notable for being the first studio recording Count Basie made with singer Joe Williams since Williams left Basie's orchestra in the early 1960s.
The exact date and location of the recording are not documented with certainty, but it is known that the album was conceived as a reunion between Basie and Williams, with a repertoire of ballads and blues highlighting the singer's deep voice. Basie's orchestra provides the characteristic accompaniment.
The album was acclaimed by critics and the public, revitalizing the collaboration between the two artists. 'For the First Time' is considered a milestone in Basie's discography, showcasing the maturity of his orchestral sound and Joe Williams' versatility as a performer.