Gerald Wiggins
| Gerald Wiggins | |
|---|---|
 Helen Humes and Wiggins at the Village Jazz Lounge in Walt Disney World | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gerald Foster Wiggins |
| Born |
May 12, 1922 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died |
July 13, 2008 (aged 86) Encino, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer, arranger |
| Instruments | Piano, organ |
Gerald Foster Wiggins, Sr. (May 12, 1922 – July 13, 2008) was a jazz pianist and organist.
Early life
Wiggins was born in New York City on May 12, 1922.[1] He studied classical music, but switched to jazz in his teens.[1]
Later life and career
Wiggins began as a professional playing accompaniment to comedian Stepin Fetchit.[1] Wiggins worked with Louis Armstrong and Benny Carter.[1] He was in the military from 1944 to 1946.[1] In the 1940s he moved to Los Angeles, where he played music for television and film. He also worked with singers like Lena Horne (1950–51), Kay Starr, and Eartha Kitt.[1] In 1960 his best recording as an organist appeared, Wiggin' Out, known for the quality of its music and fresh, clear sound. He recorded only another LP at the organ with saxophonist Teddy Edwards. "In the 1960s he worked as a music director and vocal coach in film studios."[1]
Wiggins was perhaps best known for his trio, with other members Andy Simpkins and Paul Humphrey, among others.[1] He also appeared in an episode of 227[2] and an episode of Moesha,[3] in both cases he played a pianist. "He appeared regularly at American jazz parties and festivals and occasionally at Japanese and European festivals and was in demand for recording sessions."[1]
He was sometimes called "The Wig" and his son J. J. Wiggins (now known as Hassan Shakur) is a bassist.
Wiggins died in Los Angeles on July 13, 2008, aged 86.[4]
Playing style
His recordings for Concord Records "demonstrate his firm touch, all-round musicianship, and sense of swing."[1]
Selected discography
As leader/co-leader
- Wiggin' with Wig (1956) Dig
- Relax and enjoy it! (1956) Contemporary
- Collections (Intro, 1957) with Red Norvo, Art Pepper and Joe Morello
- Reminiscin' with Wig (1957) Fresh Sound
- The King and I (1957) Challenge
- Music from "Around the world in 90 days" in modern jazz (1957) Specialty
- Wiggin' out (1960) Hi-Fi Jazz (as organist)
- Memory Lane (1964) Ava
- Wig is here (1977) Black and Blue
- A beautiful friendship (1977) Black and Blue
- Live at Maybeck Recital Hall (1990) Concord
- Soulidarity (1995) Concord
As sideman
With Benny Carter
- Cosmopolite (Norgran, 1954)
With Buddy Collette
- Tanganyika (Dig, 1956)
- Man of Many Parts (Contemporary, 1956)
- Everybody's Buddy (Challenge, 1957)
- Porgy & Bess (Interlude 1957 [1959])
With Tal Farlow
- Autumn In New York (1954; Verve)
With Mel Brown
- Chicken Fat (Impulse!, 1967)
With Teddy Edwards
- Heart & Soul (Contemporary, 1962)
With Paul Horn
- House of Horn (Dot, 1957)
With Illinois Jacquet
- Illinois Jacquet and His Orchestra (Verve, 1956)
With Gerald Wilson
- Jessica (Trend, 1983)
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Vacher, Peter "Wiggins, Gerry". The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz (2nd edition). Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press. Retrieved February 1, 2016. (Subscription required).
- ↑ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2107863/
- ↑ http://www.tv.com/gerald-wiggins/person/17453/summary.html
- ↑ "Gerald Wiggins: Leading Los Angeles Jazz Pianist". The Times. July 25, 2008.
External links
- Interview of Gerald Wiggins, part of Central Avenue Sounds Oral History Project, Center for Oral History Research, UCLA Library Special Collections, University of California, Los Angeles.
- BBC Radio 2
- All Music