Tiny Grimes | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Hugues Panassié (left) Red Prysock (middle) and Tiny Grimes (right), New York City, c. 1946–1948, photograph byWilliam P. Gottlieb | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Lloyd Grimes (1916-07-07)July 7, 1916 Newport News, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | March 4, 1989(1989-03-04) (aged 72) New York City |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Tenor guitar |
Lloyd "Tiny"Grimes (July 7, 1916 – March 4, 1989)[1] was an Americanjazz andR&B guitarist. He was a member of theArt Tatum Trio from 1943 to 1944, was a backing musician on recording sessions, and later led his own bands, including a recording session withCharlie Parker. He is notable for playing the electrictenor guitar, a four-stringed instrument.
Grimes was born inNewport News, Virginia, United States,[1] and began his musical career playing drums and one-fingered piano.[2] In 1938 he took up the electric four-stringtenor guitar.[2] In 1940 he joined theCats and the Fiddle as guitarist and singer.[1] In 1943 he joined the Art Tatum Trio as guitarist and made a number of recordings with Tatum.[2]
After leaving Tatum, Grimes recorded with his own groups in New York and with a long list of leading musicians, including vocalistBillie Holiday. He made four recordings with his own group, augmented with Charlie Parker: "Tiny's Tempo", "Red Cross", "Romance Without Finance", and "I'll Always Love You Just the Same", the latter two featuring Grimes' singing.
In the late 1940s, he had a hit on a jazzed-up version of "Loch Lomond", with the band billed as Tiny "Mac" Grimes and the Rocking Highlanders[1] and appearing inkilts. This group included tenor saxmanRed Prysock and singerScreamin' Jay Hawkins. Grimes continued to lead his own groups into the later 1970s and he recorded onPrestige Records in a series of strong blues-based performances withColeman Hawkins,Illinois Jacquet,Pepper Adams,Roy Eldridge and other noted players including, in 1977,Earl Hines.[3]
WithPaul Williams, he co-headlined the firstMoondog Coronation Ball, promoted byAlan Freed inCleveland,Ohio, on March 21, 1952, often claimed as the firstrock and roll concert.[4] In 1953 he may have played onthe Crowsone-hit wonder, "Gee", that has been called the first original rock and roll record by an R&B group.[5]
Grimes died in March 1989 in New York City frommeningitis at the age of 72.[1]
