Ms. Spanky Wilson: Bio

Spanky Wilson is an American singer born in Philadelphia. Until 1967, she lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, then in Los Angeles, California until 1985 when she settled in Paris, France.

She has sung in clubs, in concerts, and has toured in the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Belgium, Brasil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Canada, Congo, France, Germany, the island of Guam, Japan, Luxemburg, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, and the United States.

Spanky has performed at many Jazz Festivals in different countries such as: Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (France – 1987), Santiago de Compostela (Spain – 1989), Montlouis-sur-Loire (France – 1989), “Jazz Terrasse” (Spain – 1990), Montauban (France – 1990), “Jazz A Vienne” (Vienne, France – 1991, concert televised), “Jazz En Villeneuvois” (Villeneuve-sur-Lot, France – 1991), Salon-de-Provence (France – 1992), “Crest Jazz Vocal” (Crest, France – 1992), “Jazz In Marciac” (Marciac, France – 1994), “MadaJazzcar 94” (Antananarivo, Madagascar – 1994), Burghausen (Germany – 1995, concert televised), “Jazz á Montauban” (Montauban, France – 1995), “8ème” & “10ème Jazz aux Remparts” (Bayonne, France – 1997 & 1999), “20ème Jazz à Vannes” (Vannes, France – 1999).

Spanky has performed with namely the following artists:

In July 1999, Spanky performed with the Duke ELLINGTON Orchestra while it was on tour in France.

In the States, Spanky has worked regularly with famous groups such as Jimmy McGRIFF’s, Willie BOBO’s, Benny CARTER ALL STAR BAND, Teddy EDWARDS (Quarted, String Ensemble, and Big Band).

Since 1989, Spanky Wilson regularly performs with the Philippe MILANTA Trio; she has however sung as a guest in French bands such as Gérard BADINI Swing Machine, Christian MORIN and François BIENSAN’s Ellingtomania, François GUIN’s Four Bones and Swingers, Marc LAFERRIERE’s group, Philippe MILANTA Nonet, Ornicar Big Band, and Claude TISSENDIER’s Saxomania.

Spanky Wilson recorded the following albums under her own name:

Moreover, Spanky Wilson, conducted by Lalo SHIFFRIN, recorded the theme song of the movie “KELLY’S HEROES”.

Spanky Wilson is an extraordinary Jazz singer with a unique voice, in terms of swinging, “bluesy”, tender or warm, with an impeccable diction and phrasing. Her first influences were Dinah WASHINGTON, Nat “King” COLE and Louis JORDAN, then later Eddie JEFFERSON who taught her how to scat.

Spanky sings with a constant feeling, with emotion and sensitivity. Moreover, every one of her interpretations is a reflection of her song personality. Her uncontested charisma, her class, her charm and her sense of humor are many qualities that enhance her strong presence on stage.

Lastly, the cohesiveness of her group has been applauded by many of the greatest names of Jazz.

Trumpetists	Benny BAILEY, Marcus BELGRAVE, Pete CANDOLI, Doc CHEATHAM, Wallace DAVENPORT, Kenny DORHAM, Harry “Sweets” EDISON, Clark TERRY, Tommy TURRENTINE
Cornetist	Nat ADDERLEY
Trombonist	Buster COOPER
Saxophonists	Gene AMMONS, Benny CARTER, Jeff CLAYTON, Richie COLE, Teddy EDWARDS, Herb GELLER, Scott HAMILTON, Red HOLLOWAY, Guy LAFITTE, Harold LAND, Jack NIMITZ, Houston PERSON, Marshal ROYAL, Stanley TURRENTINE, André VILLENGER, Eddie “Cleanhead” VINSON, Bob WILBER
Organists	Jack McDUFF, Jimmy McGRIFF, Jimmy SMITH, Larry YOUNG
Pianists	Georges ARVANITAS, Walter BISHOP Jr., John BUNCH, Wild Bill DAVIS, Alain JEAN MARIE, Oliver JONES, Kirk LIGHTSEY, Tete MONTOLIU, Willie PICKENS, Red RICHARDS, Maurice VANDER, Richard WYANDS
Guitarists	Kenny BURRELL, Christian ESCOUDĒ, Mundell LOWE
Bassists	Pierre BOUSSAGUET, George DUVIVIER, Larry GALES, John HEARD, Reggie JOHNSON, Eddie JONES, Pierre MICHELOT, Jimmy WOODE
Drummers	Keith COPELAND, Panama FRANCIS, Billy HIGGINS, Oliver JACKSON, Gus JOHNSON, Butch MILES, Idrees MUHAMMAD, Pretty PURDIE, Alvin QUEEN, Grady TATE
Percussionist	Willie BOBO
Singers	Ernie ANDREWS, Sammy DAVIS Jr., Marvin GAYE