George Wallington

George Wallington (born Giacinto Figlia; October 27, 1924, Palermo, Sicily – Cape Coral, Miami, February 15, 1993) was a highly regarded American bop pianist and composer. From 1943 to 1953 he played with Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Marsala, Charlie Parker, Serge Chaloff, Allan Eager, Kai Winding, Terry Gibbs, Brew Moore, Al Cohn, Gerry Mulligan, Zoot Sims, Red Rodney, and Lionel Hampton, and recorded as a leader for Savoy and Blue Note (1950). From 1954 to 1960 he led groups in New York that included newcomers Donald Byrd, Jackie McLean, and Phil Woods, recording as leader with these musicians for the Prestige and Atlantic labels. In 1960 he retired to work in the family business, returning to music in 1984 and recording three albums. His style is often compared to the legendary Earl "Bud" Powell. His best known compositions are the bop standards "Lemon Drop" and "Godchild". He can be heard playing Lady Fair on the Verve release Metronome All-Stars 1956.