Al Grey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Al Grey
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Al Grey, 1980s, photographed by William P. Gottlieb
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Albert Thornton Grey |
| Born | June 6, 1925 Aldie, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | March 24, 2000 (aged 74) Phoenix, Arizona |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Trombone |
| Years active | 1946–1990 |
| Labels | Argo, Black & Blue, Tangerine, Chiaroscuro, Arbors, Columbia |
| Associated acts | Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie |
Al Grey (born June 6, 1925 – died March 24, 2000) was an American jazz musician. He was a very talented trombonist. Al Grey was famous for being a member of the legendary Count Basie orchestra. He was especially known for a cool technique called the "plunger mute." He even wrote a book about it in 1987 called Plunger Techniques.
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Al Grey's Musical Journey
Al Grey was born in Aldie, Virginia, USA. He grew up in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He started playing the trombone when he was only four years old. He played in a band led by his father called the Goodwill Boys.
During World War II, Al Grey served in the U.S. Navy. He kept playing his trombone while in the Navy. After leaving the military, he joined several famous bands. These included bands led by Benny Carter, Jimmie Lunceford, and Lionel Hampton.
Playing with Jazz Legends
In the 1950s, Al Grey became a member of big jazz bands. He played with Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie. These were some of the biggest names in jazz music. Later, in the 1960s, he led his own bands. He worked with other musicians like Billy Mitchell and Jimmy Forrest.
Towards the end of his career, he recorded music with Clark Terry and J. J. Johnson. Al Grey made many recordings during his life. He recorded thirty albums under his own name. He also played on seventy more albums with other bands.
His Unique Trombone Style
Al Grey's early trombone playing was inspired by Trummy Young. He developed a very strong and full sound. When he played solos, he often used short, clear musical phrases. He was also a master of syncopation, which means playing rhythms that are off-beat in a cool way.
But his most famous technique was using the plunger mute. A plunger mute is a special device that changes the sound of the trombone. When Al Grey used it, he could make very soft and smooth sounds. He would use these sounds to answer the main melody. You can hear this amazing skill on the 1972 album Bing 'n' Basie. On this album, he played along with Bing Crosby's singing.
Al Grey passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona, when he was 74 years old.
Images for kids
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Al Grey, 1980s, photographed by William P. Gottlieb
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Al Grey, the last great big time plunger by Gwendolyn Lanier-Gardner, 2015
