Theodore Shaw "Teddy" Wilson (born 1912-11-24 in Austin, Texas-died 1986-07… Read Full Bio ↴Theodore Shaw "Teddy" Wilson (born 1912-11-24 in Austin, Texas-died 1986-07-31 in New Britain, Connecticut) was a jazz pianist from the United States . His sophisticated and elegant style graced the records of many of the biggest names in jazz, including Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
Wilson studied piano and violin at Tuskegee Institute. After working in the Speed Webb and Louis Armstrong bands, he joined Benny Carter's Chocolate Dandies in 1933. In 1935 he joined the Benny Goodman Trio (which consisted of Goodman, Wilson and drummer Gene Krupa, later expanded to the Benny Goodman Quartet with the addition of Lionel Hampton). The trio performed during the big band's intermissions. By joining the Trio, Wilson became the first black musician to perform in public with a previously all-white jazz group.
In the 1930s and 1940s he recorded fifty hit records with various singers such as Lena Horne and Helen Ward, including many of Billie Holiday's most successful records. During these years he also recorded many highly regarded sessions with a wide range of important swing musicians, such as Lester Young, Roy Eldridge, Charlie Shavers, Red Norvo, Buck Clayton and Ben Webster.
Wilson formed his own short-lived big band in 1939, then led a sextet at Cafe Society from 1940 to 1944. In the 1950s he taught at the Juilliard School. Wilson performed as a soloist and with pick-up groups up until the final years of his life.
Wilson studied piano and violin at Tuskegee Institute. After working in the Speed Webb and Louis Armstrong bands, he joined Benny Carter's Chocolate Dandies in 1933. In 1935 he joined the Benny Goodman Trio (which consisted of Goodman, Wilson and drummer Gene Krupa, later expanded to the Benny Goodman Quartet with the addition of Lionel Hampton). The trio performed during the big band's intermissions. By joining the Trio, Wilson became the first black musician to perform in public with a previously all-white jazz group.
In the 1930s and 1940s he recorded fifty hit records with various singers such as Lena Horne and Helen Ward, including many of Billie Holiday's most successful records. During these years he also recorded many highly regarded sessions with a wide range of important swing musicians, such as Lester Young, Roy Eldridge, Charlie Shavers, Red Norvo, Buck Clayton and Ben Webster.
Wilson formed his own short-lived big band in 1939, then led a sextet at Cafe Society from 1940 to 1944. In the 1950s he taught at the Juilliard School. Wilson performed as a soloist and with pick-up groups up until the final years of his life.
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Of Thee I Swing
Teddy Wilson Lyrics
Easy to Love I know too well that I'm just wasting precious time In…
He Ain't Got Rhythm 'Cause he ain't got rhythm Every night he sits in the…
I Can't Give You Anything But Love Baby I can't give you anything but love, baby That's the only…
I Must Have That Man Don't want my mammy I don't need a friend My heart is…
I'm With You I'm through with love I'll never fall again Said "Adieu" to …
Pennies From Heaven Oh every time it rains It rains pennies from heaven Don't yo…
Tea For Two Picture you upon my knee, Just tea for two and…
That's Life Sometimes I wonder What's in store for me Your love could op…
The Mood That I'm In I'm in the mood for love Simply because you're near me. Funn…
The Way You Look Tonight Someday when I'm awfully low When the world is cold I will…
This Year's Kisses This year's crop of kisses Don't seem as sweet to me This…
Who Loves You Who loves you Ask yourself the question Who loves you, sweet…
Why Was I Born Why was I born Why am I livin' What do I get What…
With Thee I Swing With thee I swing, baby With thee it's just not a…
You Showed Me The Way You showed me the way When I was someone in distress A…