Bill Coleman, a smooth-toned swing trumpeter and an lyricist, was a steady but not particularly well-known musician. He made his first recording debut in New York with Cecil Scott and Lloyd Scott’s group in 1927. He recorded with Charlie Johnson (1929-1932), and Luis Russell (1929-1932). In 1933, Lucky Millinder took him to France. Coleman recorded with Fats Wallace (1934), and then played with Teddy Hill’s Orchestra (1934-1935). He finally moved to France in 1935. He recorded often while overseas as a leader (really becoming his own), with Willie Lewis Orchestra and on dates with Django reinhardt. He travelled as far as Bombay and spent 1938-1940 with Herman Chittison in Egypt. Coleman returned to New York and played with Teddy Wilson, Benny Carter and Mary Lou Williams during 1940-1945. He also recorded with Coleman Hawkins and Lester Young (both in 1943). Coleman preferred the life in Europe, so he returned to New York in 1940-1945 and recorded with Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins (both in 1943).
