Born in Shelby, Mississippi, Gerald Wilson was a trumpeter, jazz composer, arranger, and bandleader known for “redefin[ing] Big Band.” He began taking piano lessons from his mother before taking formal lessons in Memphis. His family moved to Detroit around 1932, where he extended his training at the lauded music program at Cass Technical High School. Known for his unique voice, the hallmark of Wilson’s sound involved the use of multiple harmonies. His band was considered to be one of the greatest in the jazz world, with a sound heavily influenced by the blues mixed with other styles. His work has influenced artists ranging from Duke Ellington to Ella Fitzgerald.
Gerald Wilson (1918-2014)
