American jazz guitarist, composer, and big band leader.
Born March 1, 1905 in Oakland, California, USA.
Died November 17, 1993 in New York City, New York, USA.
Powell charted twenty-five times as a songwriter in the U.S. and four times in the U.K. between and 1992. His Spring Cleaning by Fats Waller hit #3 (co-written by Walter Samuels) in 1937 and You Won’t Be Satisfied (Until You Break My Heart) by Les Brown and His Orchestra hit #2 in 1946 (co-written by Larry Stock). Bewildered hit #1 R&B in the U.S. twice in 1947, first by the Red Miller Trio then by Amos Milburn (co-written by Leonard Whitcup). Unchain My Heart by Ray Charles hit #1 R&B in 1961 was not written by Powell but by Bobby Sharp, but Sharp sold the rights to Powell for $50 so he often is credited on some releases. Sharp later sued to get his rights back and renew his copyright.
Powell also charted with his orchestra twice in the U.S., both in 1941, first with The Wise Old Owl (#18) then with The Things I Love (#14).