Johnny Griffin Dies at 80

Johnny Griffin, known for his robust tone and lightning-fast technique on the tenor saxophone, died last Friday, July 25th, in his home in Availles-Limouzine, France. Griffin, who played with deceased masters Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, and Art Blakey, was part of a dwindling group of musicians who have ties to some of the most important figures in the history of jazz.

Griffin was born in Chicago on April 24, 1928, and began playing gigs as a teenager. At 18 he joined Lionel Hampton’s big band, and moved to New York. He was largely influenced by the virtuosity of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, and his style melded fast, angular bebop lines with a bluesy backbone, something he developed while playing with guitarist T-Bone Walker in Chicago.

His most famous collaboration was with fellow tenor saxophonist Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, with whom he engaged in boisterous saxophone “duels.”

Griffin moved to Europe in 1963, where he enjoyed an active career for the rest of his life. He played his last concert four days prior to his death.

Photo Courtesy of Hans Speekenbrink