Theodore Marcus “Teddy”, also known as Theodore Marcus Edwards, was an American jazz tenor and saxophonist who lived on the West Coast of America. Edwards was born Jackson, Mississippi. Edwards began playing at an early age. He started on clarinet and then alto saxophone. Edwards was first employed by The Royal Mississippians, Doc Parmley. Because he believed there were better opportunities, his uncle asked him to move to Detroit. He returned to Jackson to take care of his family and moved to Alexandria, Louisiana. After visiting Tampa, Florida, Ernie Fields convinced him to join his band. Teddy originally planned to travel to New York, but Ernie Fields persuaded him to join his band and get to Washington, DC. He ended up at Club Alabam, Central Ave. Los Angeles, where he later settled down. Teddy Edwards played with many Jazz legends, including Charlie Parker, Wynonie Harp, Vince Guaraldi, Wynonie Morris, Wynonie Hamilton, and Ernie Andrews. The Duel, his 1947 classic recording, was a big hit and helped to establish him as a legend. He loved to challenge other sax players to similar duels every chance he got. In the 80s, Dick Morrissey, a British tenor, fought a memorable duel at London’s 100 Club. Edwards was a guest of Benny Goodman at Disneyland in 1964 and the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Text contributed by users is available under Creative Commons By–SA License. It may also be available under GNU FDL.
