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Teddy Wilson is often referred to as the definitive swing pianist, stylish, elegant and technically and artistically brilliant, and adept in any setting, be it solo, small bands or orchestras, as a leader or sideman. He was renowned as one of the most sensitive and sought-after accompanists, especially by female vocalists of the day, and is particularly celebrated for his work with Billie Holiday. In the era before the introduction of the Billboard charts in 1940, Joel Whitburn’s respected book “Pop Memories 1890-1954”, which lists artists hits based on various sources, and also the Your Hit Parade chart published by the popular radio show, are treated as the most reliable guides as to what were “hits”. This 47-track 2-CD collection comprises all Teddy Wilson’s 38 career hits based on those sources under his own name, along with selected A & B sides from this era. It Includes the No. 1 hits “Carelessly” and “You Can’t Stop Me From Dreaming”, and other Top 3 hits with “The Way You Look Tonight”, “Pennies From Heaven” “There’s A Lull In My Life” and “Remember Me”. It includes performances by featured vocalists Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Helen Ward, Red Harper and others, and recordings with major jazz names likes Roy Eldridge, Lionel Hampton, Ben Webster, Cootie Williams, Harry Carney, Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, Cozy Cole, Harry James, Buck Clayton and more, featured in his ensembles. Looking at his career from a particular angle, his hits, it’s a great showcase for an important and influential artist.
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