Teddy Phillips

Bandleader, composer and arranger. Born June 5th, 1918, Oak Park, IL, USA. Died March 10th, 2001, Canoga Park, CA. USA. Learned to play the saxophone at high school and after graduation toured and recorded with many bands as well as playing in studio bands for ABC, NBC and CBS. Formed his own Teddy Phillips Orchestra and became a fixture at Chicago's 8,000 capacity Aragon Ballroom. Many of his big tunes at the time were collaborations with with fellow bandleader Al Trace, and vocalist Colleen Lovett, who he later married. By the 1960's, and having moved to California, he had transformed the band into The Mexicali Brass, a Las Vegas style Mariachi Band. He recorded for many labels, including Decca, Dot, London, MGM and King. Teddy Phillips also wrote under the pseudonym Ted Simms.