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.
Sugar
Teddy Wilson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I never maybe my sugar
That sugar baby of mine
He's special ration
Funny, he never asks for my money
All I give him is honey
And that he can spend anytime
It I were a bee
Because he's sweeter than chocolate candy to me
He's confectionery
Sugar, I never cheat on my Sugar
Cause I'm too sweet on my Sugar
That sugar baby of mine
Teddy Wilson's song "Sugar" is a love song dedicated to Wilson's sweet and special someone who he affectionately refers to as "my sugar." Throughout the song, Wilson creates a playful and lighthearted tone through his use of extended metaphors comparing his lover to various sweets and candies. He depicts his partner as a "special ration," indicating that he is something that is essential and valuable to Wilson.
Wilson's love for his sugar is clear in his lyrics as he declares that he never cheats on his love because he is too sweet on him. The playful lyrics and upbeat tempo of the song perfectly capture the excitement and joy of falling in love. The use of repetition in the chorus emphasizes Wilson's adoration for his partner, as he continually refers to him as "my sugar" and reinforces the importance of their relationship.
Overall, "Sugar" is a delightful love song that celebrates the simple pleasures and sweetness of being in love. Through his lyrics, Wilson perfectly captures the feeling of being utterly enamored with someone and immerses his audience in a joyful, romantic mood.
Line by Line Meaning
Sugar, I call my baby my sugar
I affectionately refer to my significant other as my sweet sugar
I never maybe my sugar
I never have any doubt about my feelings for them and their role in my life
That sugar baby of mine
Referring to my loved one as my sweet sugar baby
He's special ration
My partner is something very unique and valuable to me
Funny, he never asks for my money
It's interesting and endearing to me that my significant other never requests financial support from me
All I give him is honey
All I provide to my sugar is love and affection
And that he can spend anytime
My love is something that my partner has access to at any moment
I'd make a million trips to lips
I'm so attracted to him that I would travel any distance just to be near him
It I were a bee
If I were any type of animal, it would be a bee because they are drawn to sweet things like my sugar
Because he's sweeter than chocolate candy to me
My partner's love is even sweeter than the most delicious candy I can think of
He's confectionery
My significant other is the perfect blend of sweetness and elegance, like a dessert or treat
Sugar, I never cheat on my Sugar
I would never betray my love and trust for my sweet sugar
Cause I'm too sweet on my Sugar
I'm madly in love with my special someone and adore their sweet nature
That sugar baby of mine
Again referring to my cherished partner as my sweet and beloved sugar baby
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DANIEL HUNT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind