Teddy Powell
Teddy Powell, born Teodoro Paolella on March 1, 1905, in Oakland, California, was a notable American jazz musician, bandleader, composer, and arranger. Known for his work in the jazz and swing genres, Powell also composed under the pseudonym Freddy James. He began his musical journey at a young age, playing the violin at eight and the banjo at fourteen. Powell initially gained experience as a member of the Abe Lyman orchestra in the late 1920s and early 1930s, where he also took on roles in organizing radio bands.
In 1939, Powell formed the Teddy Powell Orchestra, which performed throughout the 1940s. Despite a promising start with a successful debut at the Famous Door in New York, the orchestra faced challenges such as a lack of name recognition and a devastating fire in 1941 that led to the loss of their instruments. The band eventually disbanded in 1944.
After his bandleading career, Powell focused on composing and arranging, creating hits like "Bewildered" and "If My Heart Could Only Talk." He later moved to Newark, New Jersey, where he opened a club called Teddy P's. Powell also established a successful music publishing company, Tee Pee Music Co., in New York City. He passed away on November 17, 1993, in New York City.
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