Gary Wiggins (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gary Wiggins
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gary Allen Wiggins |
| Also known as | Detroit Gary Wiggins |
| Born | November 10, 1952 Inkster, Michigan, United States |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Died | November 22, 2020 (aged 68) Bissingen an der Teck, South Germany |
| Genres | Jazz, Blues, Soul, Chicago Blues, Detroit blues, Funk, electric blues, Rhythm and blues |
| Occupation(s) | Bandleader, songwriter, producer, and director |
| Instruments | Saxophone, vocals |
| Years active | 1962–2020 |
| Labels | Ornament Records, Imtrat, CrossCut Records |
Gary Allen Wiggins, known as "Detroit" Gary Wiggins, was an American musician. He was born on November 10, 1952, and passed away on November 22, 2020. Gary was famous for playing the saxophone and singing.
He was a talented bandleader, songwriter, producer, and director. Gary played many styles of music, including jazz, blues, and soul.
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About Gary Wiggins
Gary Allen Wiggins was born in Inkster, Michigan. When he was a baby, his family moved to Detroit, where he grew up. He started playing the saxophone in church in 1962, when he was just 10 years old.
He went to Northwestern High School until 1970. While in community college, he also played in a jazz band.
Early Music Career
At 14, Gary played in the Bobo Jenkins Blues Band in Detroit. When he was 17, he released his first song. It was called "That Good Old Funky Feeling" and was a 45rpm record. He made it with his band, The Impacs.
The Impacs often played backup for famous R&B groups. One of these groups was the Dramatics. Gary toured with The Dramatics, playing in big venues. These included the Apollo Theater in Harlem.
He also performed at the T.P. Warner Theater in Washington D.C. His tours took him through Panama and across North America. After these tours, he moved to California for five years.
Playing with Legends
While in California, Gary played with many well-known musicians. These included Big Mama Thornton. He also performed with Eddie Shaw and Johnny Heartsman.
In 1982, Gary spent a year in Chicago. He played with blues legends like Lefty Dizz and Sugar Blue. They even released three records together.
Moving to Europe
Gary moved to Europe in 1983. There, he helped organize many music concerts. He also toured with more famous artists. These included Charlie Musselwhite and Screaming Jay Hawkins.
He also played with Jimmy Rogers and Johnny Copeland. Gary joined the Ray Charles show twice in Germany. He also traveled to Japan to perform.
In Germany, Gary helped start the Pink Piano Jam Sessions. These sessions were in Osnabrueck. Later, he moved to Berlin and continued inviting international stars to the Berlin Blues Café.
Gary played for over 20 years at the A-Trane International Jazz Club in Berlin. This club called him "one of the most important American Saxophonists living in Europe." He also played at Le Caveau de las Huchette in Paris. This is Europe's oldest jazz club.
Gary released three albums with the International Blues Duo. He also recorded music with other artists. These included Bobby McFerrin and Roy Gaines.
Awards and Later Life
Gary Wiggins won the Berlin Jazz & Blues Award in 2002. In 1994, he won the German Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. This award was for his album Acoustic Soul.
He also appeared on the Gong Show in 1977. He was part of a group called The Show Bizz Kids. In his later years, Gary started painting with acrylics. He worked on several art projects.
Gary Wiggins passed away on November 22, 2020. He was 68 years old. He died in Bissingen an der Teck, South Germany.
Discography
Here are some of the albums Gary Wiggins released:
- Introducing The International Blues Duo To The World (1984)
- The International Blues Duo Meets Blues Wire - Truly International (1987 / 2014)
- Bobby McFerrin feat. Detroit Gary Wiggins: Bobby's Thing and Lady Fair (1988)
- The International Blues Duo Featuring Katie Webster (1989)
- Time For Saxin’ (1990)
- Detroit Gary Wiggins & C.C. the Boogieman: Acoustic Soul (1992)
- I Got Up (1996)
- Fabrice Eulry & Detroit Gary Wiggins: Paris Jook (1996)
- Ballads in a Diplomatic Lounge (2004)
- Zeitlos (2005)
- Saxin’ the Blues (2011)
As a Side Musician
Gary also played on albums for other artists:
- Lefty Dizz & Shock Treatment: Live in Chicago (1982/2008)
- Klaus Lage: Schweissperlen (1985)
- Johnny Heartsman: Sacramento (1987)
- Roy Gaines: Going Home to See Mama (1987)
- Angela Brown: Live (1993)
- The Gospel Messengers: Lean on Me (1996)
- EB Davis: Fool for the Ladies (1996) with Big Jay Mc Neely
- Siggy Davis: Live (2013)
- Jimmie Smith: Timemension (1983)
- The Cat - several albums
- Errol Dixon: Mr. Boogie Woogie
- Robert Covington: The Golden Voice of Robert Covington (1987)
- The Dramatics: What You See is What You Get (1972)
- Jimmy Scott: A Pair and a Spair (1973)
- Cindy Rickmond: New Ideas (1990)
