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.