Trumpet and flugelhorn player and composer, the son of a bass player/bandleader and trained for music in his home town. Began with the big band of Les Hite and during the 1940's and 50's had spells with Jimmie Lunceford, Herbie Fields, Sam Donahue, Lucky Millinder, Noble Sissle, Dizzy Gillespie, and Count Basie. By the late 1950's, he worked as staff musician for American radio and TV studios, including a lengthy stint in the house band for Dick Cavett's late-night talk show. Wilder joined Benny Goodman on a tour of the Soviet Union in the early 1970's. In the 1980's and 90's, he made several successful recordings with Benny Carter and as leader of his own group.
