Theodore Shaw Wilson (November 24, 1912 – July 31, 1986) was an American

jazz Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime. Since the 1920s Jazz Age, it has been recognized as a m ...

pianist. Described by critic

Scott Yanow Scott Yanow (born October 4, 1954) is an American jazz reviewer, historian, and author. Allmusic Biography/ref> Biography Yanow was born in New York City and grew up near Los Angeles. Since 1974, he was a regular reviewer of many jazz styles a ...

as "the definitive

swing Swing or swinging may refer to: Apparatus * Swing (seat), a hanging seat that swings back and forth * Pendulum, an object that swings * Russian swing, a swing-like circus apparatus * Sex swing, a type of harness for sexual intercourse * Swing ri ...

pianist", Wilson had a sophisticated, elegant style. His work was featured on the records of many of the biggest names in jazz, including

Louis Armstrong Louis Daniel Armstrong (August 4, 1901 – July 6, 1971), nicknamed "Satchmo", "Satch", and "Pops", was an American trumpeter and Singing, vocalist. He was among the most influential figures in jazz. His career spanned five decades and se ...

Lena Horne Lena Mary Calhoun Horne (June 30, 1917 – May 9, 2010) was an American dancer, actress, singer, and civil rights activist. Horne's career spanned more than seventy years, appearing in film, television, and theatre. Horne joined the chorus of th ...

Benny Goodman Benjamin David Goodman (May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986) was an American clarinetist and bandleader known as the "King of Swing". From 1936 until the mid-1940s, Goodman led one of the most popular swing big bands in the United States. His conc ...

Billie Holiday Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Fagan; April 7, 1915 – July 17, 1959) was an American jazz and swing music singer. Nicknamed "Lady Day" by her friend and music partner, Lester Young, Holiday had an innovative influence on jazz music and pop s ...

, and

Ella Fitzgerald Ella Jane Fitzgerald (April 25, 1917June 15, 1996) was an American jazz singer, sometimes referred to as the "First Lady of Song", "Queen of Jazz", and "Lady Ella". She was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable diction, phrasing, timing, in ...

. With Goodman, he was one of the first black musicians to appear prominently with white musicians. In addition to his extensive work as a sideman, Wilson also led his own groups and recording sessions from the late 1920s to the 1980s.

Biography

Wilson was born in

Austin, Texas Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of Texas, as well as the seat and largest city of Travis County, with portions extending into Hays and Williamson counties. Incorporated on December 27, 1839, it is the 11th-most-populous city ...

. He studied piano and violin at

Tuskegee Institute Tuskegee University (Tuskegee or TU), formerly known as the Tuskegee Institute, is a private, historically black land-grant university in Tuskegee, Alabama. It was founded on Independence Day in 1881 by the state legislature. The campus was de ...

Tuskegee, Alabama Tuskegee () is a city in Macon County, Alabama, United States. It was founded and laid out in 1833 by General Thomas Simpson Woodward, a Creek War veteran under Andrew Jackson, and made the county seat that year. It was incorporated in 1843. ...

. After working in Speed Webb's band, with

, and also understudying

Earl Hines Earl Kenneth Hines, also known as Earl "Fatha" Hines (December 28, 1903 – April 22, 1983), was an American jazz pianist and bandleader. He was one of the most influential figures in the development of jazz piano and, according to one source, " ...

in Hines's Grand Terrace Cafe Orchestra, Wilson joined Benny Carter's Chocolate Dandies in 1933. In 1935, he joined the

Trio (which consisted of Goodman, Wilson and drummer

Gene Krupa Eugene Bertram Krupa (January 15, 1909 – October 16, 1973), known as Gene Krupa, was an American jazz drummer, bandleader and composer who performed with energy and showmanship. His drum solo on Benny Goodman's 1937 recording of " Sing, Sing, ...

, later expanded to the Benny Goodman Quartet with the addition of

Lionel Hampton Lionel Leo Hampton (April 20, 1908 – August 31, 2002) was an American jazz vibraphonist, pianist, percussionist, and bandleader. Hampton worked with jazz musicians from Teddy Wilson, Benny Goodman, and Buddy Rich, to Charlie Parker, Charles ...

). The trio performed during the

big band A big band or jazz orchestra is a type of musical ensemble of jazz music that usually consists of ten or more musicians with four sections: saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section. Big bands originated during the early 1910s ...

's intermissions. By joining the trio, Wilson became one of the first black musicians to perform prominently in a racially integrated group. Jazz producer and writer John Hammond was instrumental in getting Wilson a contract with Brunswick, starting in 1935, to record hot swing arrangements of the popular songs of the day, with the growing jukebox trade in mind. He recorded hit records with singers such as

, Helen Ward and

. During these years, he also took part in many sessions with

musicians such as

Lester Young Lester Willis Young (August 27, 1909 – March 15, 1959), nicknamed "Pres" or "Prez", was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and occasional clarinetist. Coming to prominence while a member of Count Basie's orchestra, Young was one of the most ...

, Roy Eldridge, Charlie Shavers, Red Norvo,

Buck Clayton Wilbur Dorsey "Buck" Clayton (November 12, 1911 – December 8, 1991) was an American jazz trumpeter who was a member of Count Basie's orchestra. His principal influence was Louis Armstrong, first hearing the record "Confessin' That I Love You" ...

, and

Ben Webster Benjamin Francis Webster (March 27, 1909 – September 20, 1973) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. Career Early life and career A native of Kansas City, Missouri, he studied violin, learned how to play blues on the piano from ...

. From 1936 to 1942, he recorded for Brunswick Records and

Columbia Records Columbia Records is an American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, the North American division of Japanese conglomerate Sony. It was founded on January 15, 1889, evolving from the A ...

. In the 1950s he recorded on

Verve Records Verve Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group (UMG). Founded in 1956 by Norman Granz, the label is home to the world's largest jazz catalogue, which includes recordings by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simon ...

. Wilson formed his own short-lived big band in 1939, then led a sextet at

Café Society Café society was the description of the "Beautiful People" and "Bright Young Things" who gathered in fashionable cafés and restaurants in New York, Paris and London beginning in the late 19th century. Maury Henry Biddle Paul is credited with ...

from 1940 to 1944. He was dubbed the "Marxist Mozart" by Howard "Stretch" Johnson due to his support for left-wing causes: he performed in benefit concerts for '' The New Masses'' journal and for

Russian War Relief Russian War Relief (RWR) (also known as the Russian War Relief Fund and The American Committee for Russian War Relief) was the largest American agency for foreign war relief. It had the "express and exclusive purpose of giving succor to the Russian ...

, and he chaired the Artists' Committee to elect Benjamin J. Davis (a New York City council member running on the

Communist Party USA The Communist Party USA, officially the Communist Party of the United States of America (CPUSA), is a communist party in the United States which was established in 1919 after a split in the Socialist Party of America following the Russian Rev ...

ballot line). In the 1950s, Wilson taught at the

Juilliard School The Juilliard School ( ) is a Private university, private performing arts music school, conservatory in New York City. Established in 1905, the school trains about 850 undergraduate and graduate students in dance, drama, and music. It is widely ...

. Wilson can be seen appearing as himself in the motion pictures ''

Hollywood Hotel The Hollywood Hotel was a famous hotel, society venue of early Hollywood, and landmark A landmark is a recognizable natural or artificial feature used for navigation, a feature that stands out from its near environment and is often visible fr ...

'' (1937) and '' The Benny Goodman Story'' (1955). He also worked as music director for the ''

Dick Cavett Show ''The Dick Cavett Show'' was the title of several talk shows hosted by Dick Cavett on various television networks, including: * ABC daytime, (March 4, 1968–January 24, 1969) originally titled ''This Morning'' * ABC prime time, Tuesdays, Wed ...

''. Wilson lived quietly in suburban Hillsdale, New Jersey. He was married three times, including to the songwriter

Irene Kitchings Irene Armstrong Wilson Kitchings (c. 1908-1975) was an African-American jazz pianist, band leader, and songwriter. She performed both as a solo act and as a band member. After transitioning to songwriting, Kitchings co-wrote "Some Other Spring", ...

. He performed as a soloist and with pickup groups until the final years of his life, including leading a trio with his sons Theodore Wilson on bass and Steven Wilson on drums. In 1979, Wilson was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from

Berklee College of Music Berklee College of Music is a private music college in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known for the study of jazz and modern American music, it also offers college-level cours ...

. Wilson died of stomach cancer in

New Britain, Connecticut New Britain is a city in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. It is located approximately southwest of Hartford. According to 2020 Census, the population of the city is 74,135. Among the southernmost of the communities encompassed wi ...

, on July 31, 1986, aged 73. He is buried at Fairview Cemetery in New Britain. In addition to Theodore and Steven, Wilson had three more children, William, James (Jim) and Dune.

Select discography

Solo

*1942: ''Columbia Presents Teddy Wilson'' *1972: '' With Billie in Mind'' (Chiaroscuro) *1983: ''Alone'' (Storyville)

As leader

*1944: ''Teddy Wilson Sextet (The Onyx Club New York Original Live Recordings)'' *1949: ''Teddy Wilson Featuring Billie Holiday'' *1952: ''Runnin' Wild'' (MGM) *1952: ''Just A Mood'' – Teddy Wilson Quartet Starring

Harry James Harry Haag James (March 15, 1916 – July 5, 1983) was an American musician who is best known as a trumpet-playing band leader who led a big band from 1939 to 1946. He broke up his band for a short period in 1947 but shortly after he reorganized ...

& Red Norvo (Columbia EP B-1569/5-1277) *1955: ''

The Creative Teddy Wilson ''The Creative Teddy Wilson'' (also released as ''For Quiet Lovers'') is a studio album by American jazz pianist Teddy Wilson featuring performances recorded in 1955 for the Norgran label.

'' (Norgran) – also released as ''For Quiet Lovers'' (Verve) *1956: '' Pres and Teddy'' (Verve) with

*1956: '' I Got Rhythm'' (Verve) *1956: ''Intimate Listening'' (Verve) *1956: '' These Tunes Remind Me of You'' (Verve) *1957: '' The Impeccable Mr. Wilson'' (Verve) *1957: '' The Teddy Wilson Trio & Gerry Mulligan Quartet with Bob Brookmeyer at Newport'' (Verve) *1957: '' The Touch of Teddy Wilson'' (Verve) *1959: '' Mr. Wilson and Mr. Gershwin'' (Columbia) *1959: '' Gypsy in Jazz'' (Columbia) *1959: '' And Then They Wrote...'' (Columbia) *1963: '' Teddy Wilson 1964'' (Cameo) *1967: '' Moonglow'' (

Black Lion Black Lion, Black Lions, or Blacklions may refer to: Businesses and organisations * Black Lion, Hammersmith, a London pub * Black Lion, Kilburn, a London pub * Black Lion Records, a British jazz record company * Black Lions Films, associated w ...

) *1968: '' The Noble Art of Teddy Wilson'' (Metronome) *1973: '' Runnin' Wild'' (Black Lion) *1976: ''Live at Santa Tecla'' *1980: ''Teddy Wilson Trio Revisits the Goodman Years'' *1990: ''Air Mail Special''

As sideman

*1933–1942: Billie Holiday, ''The Quintessential Billie Holiday (Volumes 1-9)''; '' Lady Day: The Complete Billie Holiday on Columbia 1933–1944'' (Columbia) *1935: Mildred Bailey, ''Mildred Bailey and Her Alley Cats'' (Columbia) *1935–1939: Benny Goodman, '' The Complete RCA Victor Small Group Recordings'' (RCA) *1938: Benny Goodman, ''

The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert ''The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert'' by Benny Goodman, Columbia Records catalogue item SL-160, is a two- disc LP of swing and jazz music recorded at Carnegie Hall in New York City on January 16, 1938. First issued in 1950, the landmark ...

'' (Columbia) *1946-1947: Sarah Vaughan, ''The Chronological Classics: Sarah Vaughan 1946–1947'' (Classics) *1954:

, ''

Music for Loving ''Music for Loving'' is an album by American jazz saxophonist Ben Webster with tracks recorded in 1954 and released by Norgran Records, Norgran in 1955. The album was reissued in 1957 by Verve Records, Verve as ''Sophisticated Lady''. In 1996 Verve ...

'' (Norgran) *1973:

Eiji Kitamura Eiji Kitamura ja, 北村英治 (born April 8, 1929) is a Japanese jazz clarinetist and tenor saxophonist originally from Tokyo who made his debut at the age of 22. Kitamura devoted himself to clarinet playing while still an undergraduate at ...

, ''Swing Special'' *1974: Phoebe Snow '' Phoebe Snow (album)'' (Shelter Records) *1975:

, ''Teddy and Eiji- Live Session'' *1980:

, ''Teddy Wilson Meets Eiji Kitamura''

References

External links

*
Teddy Wilson on BlueBlackJazz.com
* *
Teddy Wilson music, papers, and artifacts
Institute of Jazz Studies, (Rutgers University) {{DEFAULTSORT:Wilson, Teddy 1912 births 1986 deaths Musicians from Austin, Texas People from Hillsdale, New Jersey Big band bandleaders Swing pianists Mainstream jazz pianists African-American pianists American jazz pianists American male pianists Tuskegee University alumni Juilliard School faculty Brunswick Records artists Columbia Records artists Verve Records artists American jazz educators Benny Goodman Orchestra members Musicraft Records artists 20th-century American pianists Educators from Texas Educators from New Jersey Jazz musicians from Texas 20th-century American male musicians American male jazz musicians The Chocolate Dandies members Black Lion Records artists 20th-century African-American musicians