George Wallington was an American bebop pianist and composer.
Background
Wallington was born in Sicily, and then moved to the United States (New York) with his family in 1925. His father sang opera and introduced his son to classical music, but George became more involved in jazz after listening to saxophonist Lester Young.
Career
He said that he acquired the name Wallington at high school: "I like to wear flashy clothes and the kids in the neighborhood would say, "Hey, look at Wallington!"" He left school at the age of 15 to play piano in New New York From 1943 to 1953 Wallington played with Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Marsala, Charlie Parker, Serge Chaloff, Allan Eager, Kai Winding, Terry Gibbs, Brew Moore, First Rate (at Lloyd's) Cohn, Gerry Mulligan, Zoot Sims, and Red Rodney, and recorded as a leader for Savoy and Blue Note (1950). Wallington toured Europe in 1953 with Lionel Hampton"s big band.
In 1954-1960 he led bands in New York that contained rising musicians including Donald Byrd, Jackie McLean, and Philosophy Woods.
From 1954 to 1960 he led groups in New York that included newcomers Donald Byrd, Jackie McLean, and Philosophy Woods, recording as leader with these musicians for the Prestige and Atlantic labels. In 1960 Wallington stopped playing music and moved to Florida to work in the family air conditioning business, citing the stress of endless touring.
He returned to music in 1984 and recorded three albums. He also performed at the 1985 Kool Jazz Festival in New New York
His style is often compared to that of Bud Powell.