Teddy Powell (Teodoro Paolella) (March 1, 1905 in Oakland, California – November 17, 1993 in New York) was an American jazz guitarist, composer and big band leader. Some of his compositions were under the pseudonym Freddy James.Teddy spent several years with the Abe Lyman band where he also served as a vocalist, arranger and helped out on the business side of things.Powell began playing violin when he was eight, picked up the banjo when he was fourteen and led his first band the following year.