Johnny Griffin | |
|---|---|
 Griffin performing in 2007 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | John Arnold Griffin III |
| Born | April 24, 1928 Chicago, Illinois, U.S |
| Died | July 25, 2008 (aged 80) Paris, France |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Tenor saxophone |
| Years active | 1940s–2008 |
| Labels | Blue Note, Riverside |
John Arnold Griffin III (April 24, 1928[1] – 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]
- ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Who's Who of Jazz (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. pp. 174/5. ISBN 0-85112-580-8.
- ^ "Johnny Griffin Dies in France". Downbeat.com. July 25, 2008. Retrieved July 27, 2021.
- ^ Zwerin, Mike (August 9, 1995). "Berklee, the Brand Name of Music Schools". The New York Times.