Teddy Wilson

Shaw Theodore (Teddy) Wilson ( Austin (Texas) , 24 November 1912 - New Britain (Connecticut) , 31 July 1986 ) was an American jazz - pianist who gained fame by working together with people like Louis Armstrong , Benny Goodman , Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald .

In his youth Wilson studied piano and violin at the Tuskegee Institute. Then he started playing in the bands of Chick Webb and Louis Armstrong . In 1933 he joined Benny Carter's Chocolate Dandies to in 1935 to switch to the Benny Goodman Trio (with Goodman, Wilson and drummer Gene Krupa . A year later, there still vibraphonist Lionel Hampton added). This trio initially started just as a studio project, but when it was finally decided to give performances Wilson became the first black musician who played with white colleagues.

In the 30s and 40s played with Wilson on more than fifty albums. This he has collaborated with Lena Horne and Helen Ward and had an important share in the many successes of Billie Holiday . He also played many sessions with influential swing musicians like Lester Young , Roy Eldridge , Charlie Shavers , Red Norvo , Buck Clayton andBen Webster .

In 1939 he formed a short time a big band, but during the Second World War, he played mostly in pubs with a sextet. In the 50 Wilson turned to teaching at the Juilliard School.Until his death in 1986 Wilson was regularly seen and heard in solo and guest performances.