George Wallington
George Wallington (October 27, 1924 – February 15, 1993) was an American jazz pianist and composer. Born in Sicily, his career as a pianist began in the early 1940s, when he played with Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker and contributed to the development of bebop. Following several years as a sideman during the late 1940s, he formed his own group, experimenting with trios and a string ensemble before settling upon a permanent quintet.
George Wallington | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Giacinto Figlia |
| Born | October 27, 1924 Palermo, Sicily |
| Died | February 15, 1993 (aged 68) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Piano |
| Years active | 1943–1960, 1984–1993 |
During the 1950s, Wallington's quintet including rising stars Donald Byrd, Jackie McLean, and Phil Woods, but in 1960 he retired and moved to Florida to work for a family business. He returned to his previous career in the 1980s and made further recordings as a soloist before his death in 1993.
Noted for his technique and mastery of the developing styles of modern jazz, his contributions to the genre have been described as "underrated." His compositions, however, became known through recordings by Woody Herman's band and Miles Davis.