orig. Theodore Shaw Wilson
born Nov. 24, 1912, Austin, Texas, U.S.
died July 31, 1986, New Britain, Conn.
U.S. pianist and bandleader.
He began recording as the leader of small groups in 1935. These recordings, often featuring vocalist Billie Holiday , are classics of small-group swing . Wilson joined Benny Goodman 's trio in 1936. After 1940 he worked primarily as a leader of small ensembles or as a solo pianist, showcasing his tasteful and refined amalgam of the styles of Fats Waller , Earl Hines , and Art Tatum .