Teddy Wilson

Teddy Wilson (November 24, 1912 – July 31, 1986) was an American jazz pianist known for his gentle, elegant, and virtuosic piano style. Influenced by Earl Hines and Art Tatum, he was described as 'the definitive swing pianist' by critic Scott Yanow. Wilson's work was featured on records by jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Lena Horne, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald. He was one of the first black musicians to perform prominently alongside white musicians, notably with Goodman. Born in Austin, Texas, Wilson's early music education began at age 6 with piano and later studied violin, oboe, and clarinet at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Throughout his career, Wilson led his own groups and recording sessions from the late 1920s to the 1980s.