Tiny Grimes

Tiny Grimes was one of the innovators of the early days of the electric guitar, and he was a significant figure in the development of both jazz and rhythm and blues.

His first major professional engagement was with the popular novelty vocal group “The Cats and the Fiddle” in the early 1940's. Next, he became a key figure in the regular piano trio of the legendary Art Tatum.

After his experience with Tatum, Tiny Grimes remained a vital participant in the small group swing of the 52nd Street night clubs. During this period, Grimes also participated in recordings with jazz greats such as Charlie Parker, Coleman Hawkins, Billie Holiday, Buck Clayton, and Ike Quebec, all to be heard on the program.

Shifting gears, in the late 1940's and early 1950's, Tiny Grimes was an important figure in the beginning days of rhythm and blues and nascent rock and roll, with his “Rocking Highlanders” groups, work with Screaming Jay Hawkins, and participation in the early R&B recordings of Atlantic Records.

In the late 1950's, Tiny Grimes made some great mainstream jazz records for Prestige, and later, he was a key figure in classic jazz revival of the 1970's, performing frequently in Europe, and in New York venues such as the West End Café.

Grimes passed away in 1989 at the age of 72, after some debilitating illnesses.

originally broadcast December 20, 2009