Obituary of Donald Wilson

Don Wilson, Jazz Pianist, Trumpeter, Arranger, Composer, Band Leader, Conductor, and Retired Philadelphia Police Officer, Dies at 76.

One of the most talented jazz musicians Philadelphia has ever seen, died on Thursday, May 17th in the Chestnut Hill Hospital. He was always interested in arranging and rearranging music, from Gospel in church to classics, jazz and popular music and began playing piano at a very early age.

Don was indeed a musical genius and was often referred to as "maestro" because of his great musical abilities and keen sense of

tone. He was able to play any song upon request and his playing would make the "worst" singer sound "good."

In addition to playing the piano, Don began studying trumpet with renowned Ed Wynne and Sigmund Herring. Later he studied with Tony Marcione and Danny Forlono.

Don's interest in writing, arranging and composition continued to flourish. He studied with Denny Sandoli and Jack Ebbert. He began writing for small recording groups as well as playing with the Tommy Monroe Big Band and others. The members of this band included great names as John Splawn, Johnny Coles, John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Bobby Timons, Albert (Tootie) Health, Reggie Workman, Archie Shepp, and many, many others. Don also backed many musicians who played in the Philadelphia area and needed a rhythm section, including Sonny Stitt, Paul Quientetche, Art Farmer, Dizzy Reese and Harold Vick.

Finally, Don started his own Big Band. From 1975 and well into the 1980s, the Big Band played concerts and performed at dances and special recitals with his original compositions and arrangements. The Big Band also performed in many of the Atlantic City Casinos, Harrahs, Ballys, The Showboat Resorts and The Golden Nugget. The Band played social and private affairs from New York to Washington DC.

When the Philadelphia Clef Club reformed, Don acted as Musical Director. He arranged and conducted the band through a series of concerts and performances. Additionally, he led the Clef Club Band in the City of Philadelphia Recreation Department concerts.

In the early 1990's, when the Philadelphia Clef Club moved to a new building on the Avenue of the Arts, Don again became the Music Director and Conductor of the Big Band where he arranged and conducted a series of concerts featuring Mr. Jimmy Heath, Mr. Benny Godson, Ms. Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Mr. James Moody, all giant composers and performers in the jazz world.

In addition, Don was employed for 23+ years as a Philadelphia Police Officer. For eighteen of those years, Don played trumpet in the Police and Fireman's concert and marching band. He also played piano for the Police Pastimers, a group created to represent the Police Department and the City of Philadelphia at many VIP and other important functions.

Don also worked part-time teaching jazz, piano techniques and improvisation at Temple University, two days a week. One of his greatest loves was teaching advance piano, music theory, and arranging at the Mount Airy Cultural Center (M.A.C.C), a program designed to teach youth and young adults to advance in the study and appreciation of Jazz music on Saturday mornings.

Don received many awards for his musical accomplishments and was a member of the Optimist Club International.

Until very recently, Don could be found at LaRose Jazz Club on Monday night playing with the Tony Williams Trio and on Thursday evenings playing at the Prime Rib Restaurant located in the Warrick Hotel in Center City Philadelphia.

Don was a delight to all who knew him. He had the ability to make everyone feel special and always took the time to work with musicians of all ages, providing all an opportunity to play and showcase their talents.

Don is survived by his wife, Jackie (Billman), a singer in her own right who often sang with Don's Big Band and two sisters: Alice Womack and Ursula Hendricks.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to: The Mt. Airy Cultural Center of Philadelphia.