Biography
Willie Tee, born Wilson Turbinton on February 6, 1944 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a pivotal figure in the evolution of New Orleans funk, soul, and R&B. Raised in the Calliope Projects, Tee was surrounded by musical influences from an early age, including the legendary Neville Brothers who lived nearby. He was deeply inspired by the vibrant local scene, absorbing elements of bebop, rhythm & blues, and the distinctive street parade rhythms of New Orleans[1][3].
Tee began recording as a teenager for AFO Records and quickly made a name for himself with hits like "Teasin' You" and "Walking Up a One-Way Street" for Atlantic Records in the mid-1960s. His band, Willie Tee & the Souls, played iconic venues such as the Apollo Theater and Bourbon Street, sharing stages with major soul artists of the era[1][3][6]. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Tee formed the Gaturs, an instrumental funk group whose self-produced psychedelic funk tracks became staples of the New Orleans sound. His most enduring legacy, however, may be his work with the Wild Magnolias, for whom he wrote, arranged, and co-produced groundbreaking albums that fused Mardi Gras Indian chants with funk and jazz, introducing this unique style to a global audience[1][3].
Throughout his career, Tee's expressive keyboard work and innovative arrangements earned him recognition as a true architect of New Orleans music. His influence extended into hip-hop, with artists like the Geto Boys and Sean "P Diddy" Combs sampling his compositions. Tee's music remains celebrated for its blend of danceable grooves, soulful melodies, and cultural authenticity, securing his place as a foundational figure in American music history[3][6].
Fun Facts
- Willie Tee grew up across the street from the Neville Brothers in New Orleans' Calliope Projects[3].
- He was formally recognized by the Governor of Louisiana for his contributions to Mardi Gras Indian music[3].
- The master tapes for Tee's unreleased instrumental album, encouraged by Cannonball Adderley, were rediscovered decades later in Capitol Records' vaults[1].
- His song "Teasin' You" became a classic in the Carolina Shag dance scene, ranking alongside other Beach Music favorites[6].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Professor Longhair - Early inspiration from New Orleans R&B legend (General stylistic influence) [1950s-1960s]
- Red Garland - Influenced Tee's keyboard style (General stylistic influence) [1950s-1960s]
- Wynton Kelly - Jazz piano influence (General stylistic influence) [1950s-1960s]
- Oscar Peterson - Jazz piano influence (General stylistic influence) [1950s-1960s]
- Horace Silver - Jazz piano influence (General stylistic influence) [1950s-1960s]
- Art Tatum - Jazz piano influence (General stylistic influence) [1950s-1960s]
- McCoy Tyner - Jazz piano influence (General stylistic influence) [1950s-1960s]
- Jimmy Smith - Organ and jazz influence (General stylistic influence) [1950s-1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Earl Turbinton - Brother and frequent collaborator, saxophonist (AFO Records sessions, Gaturs) [1960s-1970s]
- Wild Magnolias - Arranger, co-writer, producer for Mardi Gras Indian funk albums (The Wild Magnolias (1973), They Call Us Wild (1974)) [1973-1974]
- Gaturs - Leader of instrumental funk band (Gatur Records releases) [late 1960s-1970s]
- Julian 'Cannonball' Adderley - Encouraged Tee to record instrumental album, signed Tee to production company (I'm Only A Man (1968)) [1968]
- Nat Adderley - Production collaborator (I'm Only A Man (1968)) [1968]
Artists Influenced
- Geto Boys - Sampled Tee's composition for hip-hop track ("Smoke My Peace Pipe" sample) [1990s]
- Sean 'P Diddy' Combs - Sampled Tee's work for major hip-hop album ("Concentrate" sample on No Way Out) [1997]
- Mardi Gras Indian musicians - Helped shape contemporary Mardi Gras Indian music (Wild Magnolias albums) [1970s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Teasin' You | 2002-01-01 | Album |
| Wasted | 1994-01-01 | Album |
| Swamp Pop Jukebox | 2013-12-19 | Album |
| Legends Making Memories | 2012-04-16 | Album |
| Warren Storm, Willie Tee and Cypress | 2008-05-06 | Album |
| I'm Only A Man | 1970-01-01 | Album |
| Wasted | 2016-12-21 | Album |
| Wasted | 2006-08-31 | Album |
| Teasin' You | 2006-08-31 | Album |
| Sing Me Back Home | 2006-03-14 | Album |
| Wasted | 1994-01-01 | Album |
| I'm Only A Man | 1970-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Walkin' up a One Way Street (Walking up a One Way Street)
- Gatur Bait (Wasted)
- The Booger Man (Wasted)
- Cold Bear (Wasted)
- Thank You John (Walking up a One Way Street)
- Teasin' You (Teasin' You)
- Concentrate (Wasted)
- Jukebox Song (Legends Making Memories)
- Concentrate
- Wasted (Wasted)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Willie Tee has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 12, 2025 | 12:11 | your love, my love together | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Oct 19, 2025 | 05:31 | I Want Somebodyfrom Teasin You | Overnight Music - Sunday |