William Russell Watrous III (June 8, 1939 – July 2, 2018) was an American jazz trombonist. He is perhaps best known for his rendition of Sammy Nestico‘s arrangement of the Johnny Mandel ballad “A Time for Love”, which he recorded on a 1993 album of the same name. A self-described “bop-oriented” player, he was well known among trombonists as a master technician and for his mellifluous sound.

He was born in Middletown, Connecticut, United States. Watrous’ father, also a trombonist, introduced him to the instrument at an early age. While serving in the U.S. Navy, Watrous studied with jazz pianist and composer Herbie Nichols. His first professional performances were in Billy Butterfield‘s band.

Watrous’ career blossomed in the 1960s. He played and recorded with many prominent jazz musicians, including Count Basie, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Quincy Jones, Johnny Richards, and trombonist Kai Winding. He also played with well-known vocalists Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughn. He played in the house band on the Merv Griffin Show from 1965 to 1968. From 1967 to 1969, he worked as a staff musician for CBS.