Artist's albums
Jammin' In Swingville
2021 · album
Callin' the Blues
2021 · album
Jumpin' The Blues (1970)
2008 · album
Similar artists
Roy Milton
Artist
Tal Farlow
Artist
Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson
Artist
Charlie Christian
Artist
Bill Jennings
Artist
Jay McShann
Artist
Mickey Baker
Artist
Hot Lips Page
Artist
Pee Wee Crayton
Artist
Earl Bostic
Artist
Wynonie Harris
Artist
Joe Liggins
Artist
Willis Jackson
Artist
Guitar Slim
Artist
Illinois Jacquet
Artist
Barney Kessel
Artist
Arnett Cobb
Artist
Bull Moose Jackson
Artist
Biography
Tiny Grimes was one of the earliest jazz electric guitarists to be influenced by Charlie Christian, and he developed his own swinging style. Early on, he was a drummer and worked as a pianist in Washington. In 1938, he started playing electric guitar, and two years later he was playing in a popular jive group, the Cats and the Fiddle. During 1943-1944, Grimes was part of a classic Art Tatum Trio which also included Slam Stewart. In September 1944, he led his first record date, using Charlie Parker; highlights include the instrumental "Red Cross" and Grimes' vocal on "Romance Without Finance (Is a Nuisance)." He also recorded for Blue Note in 1946, and then put together an R&B-oriented group, "the Rockin' Highlanders," that featured the tenor of Red Prysock during 1948-1952. Although maintaining a fairly low profile, Tiny Grimes was active up until his death, playing in an unchanged swing/bop transitional style and recording as a leader for such labels as Prestige/Swingville, Black & Blue, Muse, and Sonet. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi