Garland Wilson Explained

Garland Wilson
Birth Name:Garland Lorenzo Wilson
Birth Date:13 June 1909
Birth Place:Martinsburg, West Virginia, U.S.
Genre:Jazz
Blues
Boogie-woogie
Occupation:Musician
Instrument:Piano
Associated Acts:Herman Chittison
Nina Mae McKinney

Garland Lorenzo Wilson (June 13, 1909 – May 31, 1954)[1] was an American jazz pianist who accompanied Nina Mae McKinney. Wilson was a boogie-woogie and stride pianist.[2]

Life and career

Garland Wilson was born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, United States.[1]

Wilson attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., and, in the 1930s, worked in New York City at nightclubs in the area. In 1932, the pianist joined Nina Mae McKinney on a European tour.[1] Wilson worked extensively in England as a member of local groups, and recorded with trumpeter Nat Gonella. In the liner notes of the CD box l'intégrale Django reinhardt - vol 2 he is quoted as being accompanist of French singer Jean Sablon, together with guitarist Django Reinhardt on two sides recorded on November 1, 1935, in Paris. In 1939, he returned to the United States, where he remained until 1951, when he moved to Paris, France.[1] The artist remained there until he died in 1954.[3]

Select discography

Solo

With Charlie Lewis and Herman Chittison

With Mae Barnes

Notes and References

  1. Book: The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Colin Larkin. Guinness Publishing. 1992. First. 0-85112-939-0. 2707/8.
  2. Book: Panassie, Hugues. Hugues Panassie. The Real Jazz . Kessinger Publishing. 2005. 134. 1-4191-5028-6.
  3. Book: Clarke, Donald. Billie Holiday: Wishing on the Moon . Da Capo Press. 2002. 68. 0-306-81136-7.