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(1912-1986)
Teddy Wilson stands with Art Tatum and Earl Hines as one of the Swing Era's pre-eminent jazz pianists. A native of Austin, he began his career in the late 1920s playing in Midwest jazz bands, made his first recordings with Louis Armstrong, and joined Benny Carter's band in 1933. His big break occurred when jazz producer John Hammond brought him together with Billie Holiday, and from 1935 to 1939, Wilson played on Holiday's classic recordings. Wilson also played a significant role in breaking the jazz color barrier via his years of performing in several Benny Goodman-led ensembles. Teddy Wilson later led his own bands which featured such outstanding players as Slam Stewart, Edmond Hall and Sid Catlett. Later recordings included sessions with Lester Young,Roy Eldridge and, once again, Benny Carter. Wilson was heavily influenced by Earl Hines, but the unfailing elegance and intuitiveness of his playing marked him as one of the most distinctive talents in jazz.
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