Wilson was born in Chicago, but grew up in Fort Wayne, where he studied piano. His early career saw him play with Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Dinah Washington, before he moved back to Chicago for stints with Gene Ammons and Eddie Harris. After being drafted to the army, he moved to Los Angeles, where his career really took off. Wilson was a studio regular for Lou Donaldson, Gerald Wilson and many others, and also worked for Sammy Davis Jr. and Eartha Kitt. Wilson’s albums as band leader saw him record with Blue Note and Atlantic, playing with Roy Ayers, Lee Morgan, Jackie Maclean and others. He passed away aged 71.
