Garland Wilson born 13 June 1909

Garland Lorenzo Wilson (June 13, 1909 – May 31, 1954) was an American jazz pianist born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, perhaps best-known for his work with Nina Mae McKinney. Wilson was a boogie-woogie and fine stride pianist. 

Wilson attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. and in the 1930s worked in New York City at nightclubs in the area. In 1932 the pianist joined Nina Mae McKinney on a European tour. Wilson had also done extensive work in England with various groups, and did some recordings with Nat Gonella. In the liner's notes of the CD-box "l'intégrale Django reinhardt - vol 2" he is quoted as being accompanist of French singer Jean Sablon together with guitarist Django Reinhardt on two sides recorded on November 1, 1935 in Paris. 

Due to World War II he returned to the United States in 1939 where he remained until 1951. He was popular in the New York cafe society and was piano accompanist for such Broadway stars as Mae Barnes, Thelma Carpenter, Eartha Kitt and Jimmy Daniels. 

In 1952 Garland met fellow pianist Mary Lou Williams when she arrived in London. The two became good friends and frequently shared the bill in some of the smaller venues. In many ways the two provided emotional stability for each other, and when Mary decided to move to Paris in late 1953, Wilson followed her. There he played at Le Boel sur le Toit, where he had been a regular during the 1930's. The two were not lovers, as Wilson was gay, but they maintained a very intimate relationship; he often stayed with Mary in her hotel. 

                              

In early 1954 Wilson’s health began deteriorating. he clung closer to Mary as his condition grew worse, and with each passing week Mary found herself growing physically and mentally weaker. Finally she distanced herself from Wilson, who by that time was clearly dying. She moved to another hotel on the Left Bank. This enabled Mary to recuperate, but Wilson became sicker. 

While working at Le Boel sur le Toit on May 30, 1954 he collapsed. According to Taps Miller, Wilson had complained that he was not feeling well, but he continued playing until he started coughing up blood. He lay on the floor of the club for over an hour. Incredibly, some people insisted he could not be moved without the police first being informed, and much vital time was wasted. Miller finally called a taxi and took Wilson to the American hospital, where he died from an internal haemorrhage due to sclerosis of the liver. He was only 44 years old. 

A benefit evening was held at Le Boel sur le Toit by Mary Lou Willaims. Tobacco heiress Doris Duke contributed most of the money to bury her friend Wilson, whose body was flown from Paris to New York for his funeral. 

(Info edited from Wikipedia & mainly Tammy Lynn Kernodles book "Soul on Soul; The Life and Music of Mary Lou Williams)