Joe Wilder

A versatile trumpeter sporting a beautiful tone quality, Joe Wilder's playing was full of character and the invaluable ability to tell a story with his horn -- a trait he said was fueled by one of his "original inspirations," Benny Carter. Wilder was raised in Philadelphia, where his father led a band, making his debut on a local radio show spotlighting talented Black children. His first professional job was with Les Hite in 1941, where he met Dizzy Gillespie in the trumpet section. He joined Lionel Hampton the following year and became co-bandmaster for a Marine band during...