George Wallington (1924–1993) was an influential American jazz pianist and composer, born in Sicily. A key figure in the early bebop movement, he played alongside legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker in the 1940s. Wallington led his own groups in the 1950s, often featuring future stars such as Donald Byrd, Jackie McLean, and Phil Woods. After stepping away from music in 1960, he returned in the 1980s to record solo works. While sometimes considered underrated, his compositions were widely recognized through recordings by Woody Herman and Miles Davis, reflecting his significant, if understated, impact on modern jazz.