Garland Wilson

Garland Lorenzo Wilson (June 13, 1909 – May 31, 1954) was an American jazz pianist born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, perhaps best known for his work with Nina Mae McKinney. Wilson was a boogie-woogie and stride pianist.[1]

Garland Wilson
Garland Wilson in the 1940s
Photograph by William P. Gottlieb
Background information
Birth nameGarland Lorenzo Wilson
Born(1909-06-13)June 13, 1909
Martinsburg, West Virginia, U.S.
DiedMay 31, 1954(1954-05-31) (aged 44)
GenresJazz
Blues
Boogie-woogie
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsPiano
Associated actsHerman Chittison
Nina Mae McKinney

Life and career

Garland Wilson was born in Martinsburg, West Virginia in 1909.

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. 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. The artist remained there until he died in 1954.[2]

Select discography
  • Memories of You (Okeh)
  • Rockin' Chair (Okeh)

With Charlie Lewis and Herman Chittison

  • Jazz In Paris: Harlem Piano in Montmartre (Sunny Side)

With Mae Barnes

References
  1. Panassie, Hugues (2005). The Real Jazz. Kessinger Publishing. p. 134. ISBN 1-4191-5028-6.
  2. Clarke, Donald (2002). Billie Holiday: Wishing on the Moon. Da Capo Press. p. 68. ISBN 0-306-81136-7.
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