Teddy Wilson

A master jazz pianist during the swing era, Teddy Wilson was known for his light touch, elegance and subtlety and he leaves an important legacy that continues to inspire generations of artists. Born in Tuskegee, Alabama, he started playing the piano at the age of seven and mainly heard gospel and spiritual songs growing up, but studied classical technique at Talladega College and soon discovered jazz stars like Fats Waller, Art Tatum and Earl Hines. He cut his teeth playing professionally in big bands with his brother Gus in Detroit, before making his first recordings with Louis Armstrong in 1931 and breaking segregated racial conventions by playing with Benny Goodman's trio.

After moving to New York and being discovered by producer John Hammond, he accompanied singers such as Billie Holiday and Lena Horne, and in the 1940s led his own sextet at the famous Café Society nightclub and later recorded strutting swing albums 'I Got Rhythm', 'The Impeccable Mr Wilson' and 'These Tunes Remind Me of You' for the Verve label. He also taught at the Juilliard School and worked as a musical director for 'The Dick Cavett Show' and in later life performed with his sons Theodore and Stephen before suffering with cancer and dying in 1986 aged 73.