Mike Wofford

Michael Wofford (February 25, 1938 – September 19, 2025) was an American jazz pianist and composer. He was an accompanist to singers Sarah Vaughan (in 1979) and Ella Fitzgerald (1989–1994). He was known in the jazz community going back to the 1960s for the albums Strawberry Wine and Summer Night.

Wofford attended Point Loma High School, where he embraced his love for jazz as a sophomore. He played in area bands with men such as John Guerin, Don Sleet, and Gary Lefebvre. At age 19, the San Diego Symphony performed two compositions of his which he had written at age 14 and 18 respectively. He attended San Diego State College but dropped out after a semester due to lack of devotion.

Discography

As leader Strawberry Wine (Epic, 1966) with John Doling, John Guerin Summer Night (Milestone, 1968) with Monty Budwig, John Guerin Scott Joplin: Interpretations '76 (Flying Dutchman, 1976) with Chuck Domanico, Shelly Manne Afterthoughts (Discovery, 1978) Mike Wofford Trio Plays Jerome Kern Vol. 1 (Discovery, 1980) with Jim Plank, Andy Simpkins Mike Wofford Quartet Plays Jerome Kern Vol. 2 (Discovery, 1980) with Tom Azarello, Anthony Ortega, Jim Plank Mike Wofford Trio Plays Jerome Kern Vol. 3 (Discovery, 1981) with Jim Plank, Andy Simpkins Sure Thing (Discovery, 1981) with Tom Azarello, Monty Budwig, John Guerin, Jim Plank, Andy Simpkins Funkallero (Trend, 1987) with Sherman Ferguson, Andy Simpkins, Paul Sundfor Plays Gerald Wilson "Gerald's People" (Discovery, 1988) with Carl Burnett, Richie Gajate Garcia, Rufus Reid Mike Wofford at Maybeck (Concord Jazz, 1991) Synergy (Heavywood, 1998) with Joe LaBarbera, Rob Thorsen Time Cafe (Azica, 2001) with Duncan Moore, Darek Oleszkiewicz Turn Signal (Capri, 2012) with Holly Hofmann It's Personal (Capri, 2013)

As sideman With Elek Bacsik Bird and Dizzy – a Musical Tribute (Flying Dutchman, 1975)

With Kenny Burrell Both Feet on the Ground (Fantasy, 1973)

With Gil Fuller Night Flight (Pacific Jazz, 1965) With Richard "Groove" Holmes Six Million Dollar Man, (RCA/Flying Dutchman, 1975) With John Klemmer Constant Throb (Impulse!, 1971)

With Shelly Manne Jazz Gunn (Atlantic, 1967) Perk Up (Concord Jazz, 1967 ) Daktari (Atlantic, 1967) Alive in London (Contemporary, 1970) Mannekind (Mainstream, 1972) Essence (Galaxy, 1977) French Concert (Galaxy, 1977 ) with Lee Konitz

With Oliver Nelson Skull Session (Flying Dutchman, 1975) Stolen Moments (East Wind, 1975)

With Howard Roberts Antelope Freeway (Impulse!, 1971) Equinox Express Elevator (Impulse!, 1972)

With Sonny Stitt Dumpy Mama (Flying Dutchman, 1975)

With Gerald Wilson California Soul (Pacific Jazz, 1968) Lomelin (Discovery, 1981)

With Kenny Rankin Professional Dreamer (Private Music, 1995)