Tiny Grimes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tiny Grimes
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Hugues Panassié (left), Red Prysock (middle), and Tiny Grimes (right) in New York City, around 1946–1948. Photo by William P. Gottlieb.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Lloyd Grimes |
| Born | July 7, 1916 Newport News, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | March 4, 1989 (aged 72) New York City |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Tenor guitar |
Lloyd "Tiny" Grimes (born July 7, 1916 – died March 4, 1989) was an American musician. He was famous for playing jazz and R&B music. Tiny Grimes played the electric tenor guitar, which is a special four-string guitar.
He was part of the Art Tatum Trio for a while. Later, he started his own bands. He even recorded music with the famous musician Charlie Parker.
Contents
The Early Life of Tiny Grimes
Tiny Grimes was born in Newport News, Virginia, in the United States. When he was young, he started playing drums. He also played piano using just one finger!
In 1938, he discovered the electric four-string tenor guitar. This instrument became what he was best known for. In 1940, he joined a group called the Cats and the Fiddle. He played guitar and sang with them.
Tiny's Musical Journey
In 1943, Tiny Grimes joined the Art Tatum Trio. He played guitar with them and recorded many songs. After leaving the trio, Tiny started his own music groups. He recorded in New York City with many top musicians. He even recorded with the famous singer Billie Holiday.
Tiny Grimes also made four special recordings with Charlie Parker. These songs were "Tiny's Tempo" and "Red Cross." He also sang on two other songs, "Romance Without Finance" and "I'll Always Love You Just the Same."
The Rocking Highlanders
In the late 1940s, Tiny Grimes had a big hit song. It was a jazz version of "Loch Lomond." His band for this song was called Tiny "Mac" Grimes and the Rocking Highlanders. They even wore kilts when they performed!
This group included the saxophone player Red Prysock. Another famous singer, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, was also part of this band. Tiny Grimes kept leading his own groups into the 1970s. He recorded many blues-style songs. He played with other great musicians like Coleman Hawkins and Roy Eldridge.
A Rock and Roll First
On March 21, 1952, Tiny Grimes was part of a very important event. He co-headlined the first Moondog Coronation Ball. This concert was promoted by Alan Freed in Cleveland. Many people say this was the very first rock and roll concert ever!
In 1953, Tiny Grimes might have played on a song called "Gee." This song was by the Crows. Some people call it the first original rock and roll record by an R&B group.
Later Years and Legacy
Tiny Grimes continued to make music for many years. He passed away in March 1989 in New York City. He was 72 years old.
Discography
- Blues Groove with Coleman Hawkins (Prestige, 1958)
- Callin' the Blues with J. C. Higginbotham (Prestige, 1958)
- Tiny in Swingville with Jerome Richardson (Prestige, 1959)
- Profoundly Blue (Muse, 1973)
