Jonny Griffin

Jonny Griffin:
Born april 24th, 1928 in Chicago, 1llinois. Studied piano at six years old and at eight years old started Hawaiian guitar lessons also. Started clarinet lessons at DuSable High School at the age of 13 under direction of Captain Walter Henri Dyett, who had also instructed Nat "King" Cole, Gene “Jug" Ammons, Benny Green and many many well known Jazz and Classical musicians. Johnny also studied Oboe,English horn and alto saxophone In school playing In different bands (Classical R. O. T. C. Marching Band and the school Jazz/Dance Band).

1945 - In june 1945 he graduated from high school and immediately joined the Lionel Hampton Orchestra.
1947 - Left the Lionel Hampton Orchestra with Joe Morris (trumpetist) and formed a sextet with Chicago Musicians.

1948 - The members of the band were changed to include Elmo Hope, "Philly" Joe Jones, Percy Heath, Mathew Gee and many other young Jazz Artists, actually growing into an octet.

1950 - Worked with drummer (Papa) Jo Jones in his quartet along with Elmo Hope and Gene Ramey.

1951 - Played Baritone Sax with The Arnett Cobb Septet until drafted into the US Army. Palyed with the 264 Army Band in Hawaii for 18 months, giging at night in Honolulu.

1953 - Discharged from army, returned to Chicago to work with many different groups including his own.

1957 - Joined Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers for six months.

1958 - Joined Thelonious Monk's quartet for six months.
1959 - Worked as a single (pickup rhythm sections) all over the  USA.
1960 - Together with Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis formed a quintet that lasted for two years and a half.
1962 - Johnny left for europe in december staying until the middle of march working in Paris, Stockholm, London an all over Holland.
1963 - Returning to the States he stayed until may, when he and "Babs" Gonzales returned to Europe, staying first in Holland then moving to Paris where he was to live for 10 years. Working with Kenny Drew, Bud Powell, Art Taylor, Kenny Clarke, Nathan Davis, Dexter Gordon and many others including the Kenny Clarke / Francis Boland Big Band for four yoears, the band being based in Cologne / Germany.
1973 - Moved to Holland for 7 years (near Rotterdam), continuing to work as before plus doing TV/Radio work as guest soloist with different orchestras throughout Europe. In 1976, Johnny made his first tour of Japan with Arthur Taylor - dr, Horace Parlan - p and Mads Winding - b.
1978 - Still living in Holland, he returned to   the US after absence of 15 years, for a triumphant tour with his own quartet starting with a recorded concert with the Dexter Gordon Quartet in Carnegie Hall, New York City. Johnny continued to tour the entire world.
1980 - Moved back to France and recorded 5 albums for Galaxy records (Fantasy) until 1984.
1991 - 1993 - 2 CD's released by Antilles (Polygram) "The Cat" and "A Dance Of Passion".
1995 - A CD released ba Verve (Polygram) in april, called "Chicago - New York - Paris" celebrating his 50th year in Jazz professionally.
1996 - In may, Recorded as a guest with the NHOP TRIO for Verve.
In july, johnny was made the 'GODFAHER' of the annual 'DJANGO D'OR' TV AWARDS ceremony / concert, at the SALLER PLAYEL PARIS concert hall, for 'INTERNATIONAL MUSICIAN' OF THE YEAR, for different instrumentalists.
In august, recorded a CD (OLD MONTMARTRE), with the EURO AMERICAN ALL STARS for Meldon records in Copenhagen.
1997 Johnny did his annual spring/birthday tour of the USA (in april - may), after touring Japan in january with the Tommy Flanigan trio. He played festivals throughout Europe during the summer months.
1998 He toured Europe, the USA, also played festivals Brazil - Sao Paulo and Rio.
1999 Starting with a tour of Japan, Johnny recorded in duo with Horace Parlan. He then played his regular spring tour in the USA, Chicago, NYC for his birthday celebrations. Returning to Europe for concerts at the North Sea Festival and the Baltic Jazz Festival. He also performed in other festivals in Germany, France, Italy and with an Austrian Orchestra in Amsterdem a tour of Holland and then back to the USA to replace the late Art Farmer who had passed, to finish a tour featuring the film 'A Great Day In Harlem' in which Johnny had also been a participant. It consisted of six concerts through out America.
2000 Capetown So. Africa Festival along with his regular tours in Europe and the U.S.A in the spring. Johnny also recorded with Steve Grossman tenor saxist in the spring. In November he is to lead 'The Big Soul Band' in the Blue Note jazz club for one week and then a concert at Symphony Hall in Chicago.