Birthday Greetings soft touch Pianist Teddy Wilson
Theodore “Teddy” Shaw Wilson (Teddy Wilson), born November 24, 1912 in Austin, Texas, was a jazz pianist. The graduate of HBCU Tuskegee Institute, had a soft touch and a sound that was never over pronounced. His magical touch led him to accompany such great singers Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Lena Horne. Teddy was a swing pianist known for his technique — he was very fluid in both hands. His swing style and melodic rhythms led to him being one of the first African-American musicians to become a member of Benny Goodman’s trio with drummer Gene Krupa. The trio later expanded into a quartet with the addition of legendary vibraphonist Lionel Hampton. It is this quartet with the definitive sound of Wilson and Hampton that perhaps played a role in Goodman’s title “King of Swing.”
Teddy went on to play with such jazz innovators as Lester Young, Roy Eldridge, Buck Clayton, and Ben Webster. During the 1970s, he had a residency as the solo pianist at the Playboy Club in New Jersey. He also formed a trio with his sons Theodore Wilson on bass and Steven Wilson on drums.
Check out the video Piano Party Teddy Wilson, Dick Hyman — Teddy Wilson: Fats Waller Medley: “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter” – “I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling” – “Ain’t Misbehavin'” – “Honeysuckle Rose” / Duke Ellington Medley: “Sophisticated Lady” – “Satin Doll”
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