Wilson, Teddy (Theodore Shaw) 1912-86
US pianist, bandleader and arranger

One of the most influential stylists of the swing era of the late 1930s, he was born in Austin, Texas, and studied music briefly at Talladega College, Alabama. As a teenager he worked in Chicago with major artists Louis Armstrong and clarinettist Jimmy Noone, among others. With his move to New York in 1933 to join the Benny Carter Orchestra his career as a pianist and arranger was firmly established. When he joined the Benny Goodman Trio in 1935 he was one of the first black musicians to appear with whites. He led many studio groups accompanying the singer Billie Holiday, and these recordings show his elegant, graceful style at its best.