DW
The basics
Quick facts
Intro
American jazz tenor saxophonist
Gender:
Male
Places:
Work field:
Birth:
11 November 1911(Illinois, USA)
Death:
24 November 1941(New York City, New York, USA)
Star sign:
Genres:
Instruments:
The details
Biography
Dick Wilson (November 11, 1911 – November 24, 1941) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist, best known for his work with the Andy Kirk big band.
Wilson was born in Mount Vernon, Illinois, raised in Seattle, and went to high school in Los Angeles. He started on piano and learned saxophone in Seattle from saxophonist Joe Darensbourg. He became a member of Darensbourg's band in 1930. In 1936, he joined Andy Kirk's Clouds of Joy. Wilson was a member of Kirk's band until 1941 when he died of tuberculosis in New York City.
With Mary Lou Williams and Pha Terrell, Wilson was one of the most striking musical personalities in the band. He cultivated a style that has been compared to Lester Young's because of similar characteristics in their solos.