William Bell (born William Yarborough on July 16, 1939, Memphis, Tennessee) is an American soul singer and songwriter. He was one of the architects of the Stax-Volt sound, and is probably best known for his 1961 debut single, "You Don't Miss Your Water". With Booker T. Jones, Bell wrote the song, "Born Under a Bad Sign", which became a signature song for blues musician, Albert King. It was later popularized by the power trio, Cream. Also, Bell's collaboration in 1968 with Judy Clay, yielded the memorable hit, "Private Number".