Billy Maxted is a name one seldom hears when super musicians are mentioned. Yet, he began his playing and arranging with the likes of none other than Red Nichols from 1937 to 1940. He also played and arranged for Ben Pollack, Teddy Powell and Will Bradley. After serving in the Navy, he provided arrangements for Benny Goodman and Claude Thornhill. In 1947 and 1948 he co-led a band with Ray Eberle. In 1961 his swing version of Satin Doll was in the top of the Billboard charts.