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Teddy Walters

American jazz guitarist and singer (b. August 20, 1920 Philadelphia, PA - d. April 19, 1958 Philadelphia, PA) Walters, the son of drummer [a=Danny Alvins], started out as a guitarist in the bands of [a=Ray Noble] and [a=Raymond Scott]. In May 1942, he joined [a=Charlie Ventura]'s Orchestra, only to be lured away that same October by [a=Gene Krupa]. When Krupa's orchestra was disbanded in early 1943, Walters recorded with [a=Billie Holiday]. In late 1943, Walters briefly joined Tommy Dorsey's orchestra. When Tommy realized he could sing as well and sounded very much like Frank Sinatra, he featured him as a male vocalist, causing a sensation. Tommy offered Walters a five-year contract but insisted on a cut of all future earnings should Walters decide to go solo. Instead, Walters made a few more small combo recordings with [a=Sonny Greer] and [a=Cozy Cole], then joined [a=Jimmy Dorsey And His Orchestra] on guitar and vocals in June 1944, again to great public acclaim. In October 1945, he did enter on a solo career as a vocalist, signing first with [l=ARA], then with [l=Musicraft]. In April 1946, his recording of "Laughing on the Outside (Crying on the Inside)" reached the Top Ten, but later efforts did not create much of a stir. By 1948, Walters' career had faded and he returned to Philadelphia where he died a few years later of cirrhosis.