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George Scott Wood
George Scott-Wood (27 May 1903 – 28 October 1978) was a distinguished British musician, known for his contributions as a pianist, accordionist, arranger, and bandleader. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Scott-Wood began studying piano at the age of five and showcased his talent early by winning awards at music festivals in Glasgow and Edinburgh. His early career included touring the U.S. in 1925 and performing with the Five Omega Collegians until 1928. He then joined Jay Whidden's band as a pianist and arranger.

In 1930, Scott-Wood became the Director of Light Music for Parlophone and later for other EMI labels like His Master's Voice, Regal Zonophone, and Columbia. He was incredibly prolific in the 1930s, reportedly making more recordings than any other British musician of the time. His work included arranging and leading orchestras for renowned artists such as Richard Tauber, Al Bowlly, and Gracie Fields. Scott-Wood also formed the Six Swingers, a jazz group that gained significant popularity, topping the Daily Mail readers' poll as radio entertainers in 1938.

A pioneer of the piano accordion in Britain, Scott-Wood published the first comprehensive accordion tutorial in 1930 and led the London Accordion Band. His Accordion Band, formed in the late 1930s, continued to perform and broadcast extensively after World War II. Despite attempts to revitalize the Six Swingers in the 1950s, he found more success with his ensemble, George Scott-Wood and His Music, which made regular radio appearances until the late 1960s.

Scott-Wood was a prolific composer of light music, with notable works including "Shy Serenade" and "Flying Scotsman." He passed away in Eastbourne, Sussex, England, in 1978, leaving behind a legacy as a versatile and influential figure in British music.

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