Johnny Griffin
American musician (1928-2008) · United States · On the map · Musicians · Died at 80
John Arnold Griffin III was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. Nicknamed "the Little Giant" for his short stature and forceful playing, Griffin began his career in the mid-1940s and continued until the month of his death.
Johnny Griffin is read about 72 times a day, in 21 languages.
A typical day, 30 days to 5 July 2026
The middle day of the days counted, so one week of news cannot move it. The line under it is the last 60 days, one point a day.
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Close ties
- Orrin Keepnews Produced The Little Giant (1959)
Albert Heath Bandmate in The Johnny Griffin Quartet- Alfred Lion Produced Introducing Johnny Griffin (1957)
- Francis Dreyfus Produced In & Out (2000)
Martial Solal Duets: In & Out (2000)
Steve Grossman Duets: Johnny Griffin & Steve Grossman Quintet (2001)- Buddy Montgomery Duets: Do Nothing 'til You Hear from Me (1963)
Also in Deutsch
Media & music
About this person
A pioneering figure in hard bop, Griffin recorded prolifically as a bandleader in addition to stints with the pianist Thelonious Monk and the drummer Art Blakey, in partnership with his 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.
