Biography
William Orie Potts, 3 April 1928, Arlington, Virginia, USA, d. 16 February 2005, Plantation, Florida, USA. Potts displayed musical ability from an early age, playing Hawaiian guitar and accordion, and won a talent contest at the age of 15. While at Washington-Lee High School, he heard Count Basie on radio and decided on a career as a pianist. In the early 50s, he studied composition and transcribed charts for the US Army band in Washington, DC, and after discharge in 1956 played clubs in the Washington area. As a member of THE Orchestra, a band promoted by Voice Of America’s Willis Conover, Potts recorded performances of his charts. Some of these, notably with guest artists Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, later became available. Through the late 50s and the 60s Potts’ arranging skills were in demand by noted jazz and pop artists, including Paul Anka, Al Cohn, Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, Quincy Jones, Buddy Rich, and Bobby Vinton. In early December...
Read the Full Biography of Bill Potts
|
|
