Paul Griffin (musician) facts for kids

Paul Griffin (born August 6, 1937 – died June 14, 2000) was an amazing American pianist. He was known as a session musician, which means he played music for hundreds of other musicians in recording studios. He helped create many famous songs from the 1950s all the way to the 1990s.

Paul Griffin's Music Career

Paul Griffin was born in Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City. He started his career playing piano for the band of King Curtis. Soon, he became a very popular musician that many famous artists wanted to work with.

He played with big names like Bob Dylan, Steely Dan, Don McLean, the Isley Brothers, Van Morrison, the Shirelles, and Dionne Warwick. You might know his unique piano playing from Bob Dylan's albums Highway 61 Revisited and Blonde on Blonde. He also played on Steely Dan's album Aja.

One of his most famous performances is the gospel piano part on Don McLean's hit song, "American Pie". He even helped write the song "The Fez" for Steely Dan's album The Royal Scam.

Besides playing, Paul Griffin also helped arrange music for movies like The Warriors (1979) and Four Friends (1981). He also performed in a TV special and on a movie soundtrack. Paul Griffin passed away in New York when he was 62 years old.

Key Recordings and Collaborations

Paul Griffin played on many important albums. Here are some of the famous artists he worked with:

With Bob Dylan

• Highway 61 Revisited (1965)
• Blonde on Blonde (1966)
• Blood on the Tracks (1975)

With Steely Dan

• The Royal Scam (1976)
• Aja (1977)

With Don McLean

• American Pie (1971)

With John Lennon and Yoko Ono

• Milk and Honey (1984)

With Paul Simon

• There Goes Rhymin' Simon (1973)

With Aretha Franklin

• Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington (1964)

With Roberta Flack

• Blue Lights in the Basement (1977)

With Van Morrison

• Blowin' Your Mind! (1967)

With Laura Nyro

• Eli and the Thirteenth Confession (1968)

With Carly Simon

• Carly Simon (1971)

With John Denver

• Rhymes & Reasons (1969)

With Wilson Pickett

• In the Midnight Hour (1965)

With Peter, Paul and Mary

• Album 1700 (1967)

See also

In Spanish: Paul Griffin (músico) para niños