Johnny Griffin
American jazz saxophonist / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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John Arnold Griffin III (April 24, 1928[1] ā July 25, 2008)[2] was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. Nicknamed "the Little Giant" for his short stature and forceful playing, Griffin's career began in the mid-1940s and continued until the month of his death. A pioneering figure in hard bop, Griffin recorded prolifically as a bandleader in addition to stints with pianist Thelonious Monk, drummer Art Blakey, in partnership with fellow tenor Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis and as a member of the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band after he moved to Europe in the 1960s. In 1995, Griffin was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music.[3]
Johnny Griffin | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | John Arnold Griffin III |
Born | (1928-04-24)April 24, 1928 Chicago, Illinois, U.S |
Died | July 25, 2008(2008-07-25) (aged 80) Paris, France |
Genres | Jazz |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instrument(s) | Tenor saxophone |
Years active | 1940sā2008 |
Labels | Blue Note, Riverside |