As a pianist and composer, he was well-respected in the jazz community. His influences were Fats Waller, Art Tatum, and Earl Hines.

Wilson had an affinity for the American Songbook and recorded many songs by George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Duke Ellington, and other composers. Wilson composed songs, and one was "Little Things Mean So Much."

During the Swing Era of American Jazz, he worked with many jazz legends, formed his own popular trio, and was a bandleader. He recorded with Billie Holiday and Benny Goodman, among many others.

As a teacher of piano, his pupils included pianists Roger Williams and Dick Hyman. Much has been written about Teddy Wilson as an articulate pianist with a highly developed talent for phrasing.

Suggested reading is the book, TEDDY WILSON TALKS JAZZ by Teddy Wilson with Arie Ligthart and Humphrey Van Loo (2001). A prolific recording artist, Teddy Wilson's performances are available on CDs.