Teddy Powell (born Teodoro Paolella; March 1, 1905 – November 17, 1993)[1] was an American jazz musician, band leader, composer, and arranger.

Born in Oakland, California, Powell began playing violin when he was eight years old and picked up the banjo when he was fourteen.

[2] During the late 1920s to the early 1930s, he was a member of the Abe Lyman orchestra,[3] taking on the additional tasks of gathering radio bands.

[3] Powell's sidemen included Tony Aless, Gus Bivona, Pete Candoli, Irving Fazola, and Charlie Ventura, but his best sideman left for better paying work.

[2] Powell moved to Newark, New Jersey, where he opened his club Teddy P's.