Bevis M. Griffin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bevis Griffin
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Bevis Melvin Griffin
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Bevis Melvin Griffin |
| Born | April 26, 1953 Los Angeles, California |
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| Years active | 1971–present |
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Bevis Melvin Griffin (born April 26, 1953) is an American musician, businessman, and teacher. He is known for his important role in Texas music. In 1998, the City of Austin honored him. They recognized his 25 years of musical contributions. He was one of the first to play glam rock, punk rock, and hard rock in Texas.
Griffin started performing music in 1971. Many people see him as an artist who helped define new music styles. Guitarist Vernon Reid from the band Living Colour called Griffin a "missing link." This means Griffin helped connect different music periods. Music critic Greg Tate said Griffin's style was a "provocative challenge" to how rock music looked and sounded back then.
Griffin also founded Deux Voix Ltd., LLC. This company helps musicians grow their careers. He works with bands like Death, Living Colour, and Andre Cymone. Over 40 years, Griffin played in many well-known Texas bands. These include Franklin’s Mast, Fools, the Skyscrapers, and Banzai Kik.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Bevis Griffin was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1953. His father owned a barbershop. Famous musicians like Bobby Bland and Ike Turner visited it. They often performed at a nearby ballroom.
Griffin spent his teenage years in Wichita Falls, Texas. He practiced the drums every night during high school. His high school, Wichita Falls High School, had recently welcomed students of all backgrounds.
Griffin's Music Career
Griffin is known as one of the first important Black musicians in the Austin music scene.
Forming Early Bands
In high school, Griffin met Jimmy Lee Saurage. He became Griffin's first major music partner. In 1971, they started a hard-rock band called Franklin's Mast. Barry Minnick joined them as the bassist. The band played in Austin, Texas. They opened shows for famous Texas groups like ZZ Top and Trapeze.
Franklin's Mast toured Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas. Griffin was one of the few well-known Black musicians from Austin at that time. Vernon Reid said Griffin was key to Austin becoming a great music city. This was when places like the Armadillo World Headquarters were just opening.
In 1978, Griffin, Saurage, Christopher K. Bailey, and Byron Davies formed the Skyscrapers. They played often at Austin clubs. These shows helped them become more famous. They even opened for the Ramones in 1979. That show at the Armadillo World Headquarters was completely sold out.
Leading Banzai Kik
After the Skyscrapers, Griffin became the lead singer for the Bats. This band later changed its name to Banzai Kik. He formed it with Bailey, Courtney Audain, and Billy Blackmon in 1980. In 1981, they recorded a 10-song demo. British producer John Rollo helped them. After a few more years playing in local clubs, Griffin moved to New York City in 1983. He wanted to find more recording chances there.
Black Rock Coalition and New York
In the late 1980s, Griffin helped start the Black Rock Coalition. This group in New York helps Black musicians. It works to promote their creative freedom. Griffin was part of the Black Rock Coalition Orchestra. This large 28-person group was featured in magazines like Rolling Stone.
In 1986, Griffin performed with the Black Rock Coalition Orchestra. Their first show was in Brooklyn's Prospect Park. Griffin also played with them and Banzai Kik at a music festival in 1987. The festival was held at the famous CBGB music club.
In 1987, Griffin signed a deal with Bad Brains manager Anthony Countey. Producer Jack Douglas then offered to record Banzai Kik. Douglas had worked with famous artists like John Lennon and Aerosmith. He was impressed with Griffin's songs and singing. Banzai Kik started recording songs. They even recorded at the Record Plant, where Jimi Hendrix recorded his album Electric Ladyland. However, the recording deal did not work out due to a legal problem.
Griffin kept performing for many years after this. He moved back to Austin and formed the Chill Factor in 1988. He continued to play with different bands until 2010.
Cultural Impact and Later Career
Griffin's Influence and Style
Many people see Griffin as an important, though sometimes overlooked, pioneer of Black rock music. He has been called "the Black Rock Maverick of Texas." He is also known as a "champion of alternative Black culture."
As a performer, Griffin was known for his unique and dramatic style. He was inspired by artists like Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, and Sly Stone. Music critic Tim Stegall wrote that Griffin sometimes carried nunchuks. This was for self-defense against people who didn't like his flashy way of dressing. With the Bats, Griffin's shows also commented on racial issues in Texas.
In 1998, the City of Austin honored Griffin. They recognized him as a musician who greatly influenced culture. He received a special award from Mayor Kirk Watson. This was for his 25 years of music contributions. He was one of the first to bring hard rock, punk rock, and glam rock to Texas.
Executive and Educator Roles
After his last live performance in 2010, Griffin moved into the business side of music.
As of 2021, Griffin leads three companies. Deux Voix Ltd., LLC helps artists develop and manage their careers. Deux Voix Apex Solutions LLC teaches about Black music history. Deux Voix Apex Creative LLC works on film and TV projects. His education programs have been praised by the Black American musician community.
Griffin has managed or advised many notable artists. These include Death, Living Colour, and Andre Cymone.
Selected Discography
With The Shades (4 Song Vinyl EP)
- Laurie Two-Tone (Nuhuevo Records, 1979)
With Diamond Joe Siddons
- Little Red Riding Hood (Rude Records, 1980)
With Dino Lee & The Love Johnson
- To Serve Man (Technophilia, 1993)
With Bevis Griffin's One Fell Swoop
- Words (Just Get in My Way) (Zahmbee-Karlt, 1995)
- Cloudland (Zahmbee-Karlt, 1995)
With Bevis Griffin's Rawhead TechX
- Thunderdome (Zahmbee-Karlt, 1996)
With Papa Mali & The Instagators
- Thunder Chicken (Fog City Records, 2000)
With RC Banks
- Conway's Corner (Loudhouse Records 2001)
