Johnny Griffin

Nicknamed 'the Little Giant' for his diminutive stature and colossal sound, Johnny Griffin was a tenor saxophonist of ferocious speed and boundless energy. A pioneering figure in hard bop, he was known for his competitive, take-no-prisoners approach in jam sessions. He gained prominence in the 1950s through stints with *Art Blakey* and *Thelonious Monk*, and for his own fiery recordings on #Blue Note# and #Riverside# like 'Introducing Johnny Griffin' and 'A Blowin' Session'. In the 1960s, he formed a popular partnership with fellow saxophonist *Eddie 'Lockjaw' Davis* and later moved to Europe, where he remained a vital force in jazz until his death.