Teddy Edwards | |
|---|---|
 Edwards at Koncepts Kultural Gallery,Oakland, California, 1980s | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Theodore Marcus Edwards (1924-04-26)April 26, 1924 Jackson, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Died | April 20, 2003(2003-04-20) (aged 78) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Tenor saxophone |
| Years active | 1947–2001 |
Theodore Marcus "Teddy" Edwards (April 26, 1924 – April 20, 2003)[1] was an Americanjazz tenor saxophonist.
Edwards was born inJackson, Mississippi, United States.[2] He learned to play at a very early age, first onalto saxophone and thenclarinet.
His uncle sent for him to come toDetroit to live because he felt opportunities were better. Due to illness in the family, he went back to Jackson and ventured toAlexandria, Louisiana. He was persuaded byErnie Fields to join his band after going toTampa, Florida.[2] Edwards had planned to go toNew York City, but Fields convinced him he could get there by way ofWashington, D.C., if he worked with his band. Edwards ended up at the "Club Alabam" onCentral Avenue inLos Angeles, which later became his city of residence.
Edwards played with many jazz musicians, including his personal friendCharlie Parker,Roy Milton,Wynonie Harris,Vince Guaraldi,Joe Castro andErnie Andrews.[2] A 1947 recording withDexter Gordon,The Duel, was an early challenge to another saxophonist, an approach he maintained whenever possible, including a recording withHouston Person. One such duel took place in the 1980s at London's100 Club with British tenorDick Morrissey.[3] In 1964, Edwards played withBenny Goodman atDisneyland, and at the1964 New York World's Fair.[2]
Edwards performed and recorded withTom Waits.[2] He toured with him on the Heart Attack and Vine tour, and played to a packed Victoria Apollo in London with Waits and bassist Greg Cohen (the drummer had apparently been left behind after some dispute). The 1991 album,Mississippi Lad, featured two tracks with Waits, and Waits covers the Edwards-written ballad "Little Man" on hisOrphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards collection.
In 2003, Edwards died at the age of 78 in Los Angeles ofprostate cancer, with which he had been diagnosed in 1994.[1][4]
WithFrank Butler
WithJoe Castro
WithSonny Criss
WithMilt Jackson
WithKing Pleasure
WithHank Jones
WithJulie London
WithShelly Manne
WithLes McCann
WithHoward McGhee
WithFreddie Redd
WithMax Roach andClifford Brown
WithJimmy Smith
WithLeroy Vinnegar
WithRandy Weston andMelba Liston
WithGerald Wilson
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