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Joe
12 years ago

I met Johnny after a concert in Mainstone Kent in the late 1980's - I gave him my albul to sign and he was the most gracious individual, he blew the stage apart....I remember him for the great muscian he was - wow could he swing. I would like to think that he is with Dexter and JC battling with Monk driving them on and Miles nodding on the background. I am listening to Hush-A-Bye as I talk and Mr Griffin I thankyou for the legacy that you have left us that will live forever

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Marc Berner
13 years ago

I met Johnny after a concert at The Theatre de la Ville in Paris when I was 18 in May, 1975. I will always remember his warmth and big heart. Thank you, Johnny, for your friendship. God bless you always and always.

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Anthony Scott
13 years ago

My Dad Walter was a life long friend of Mr Griffin....they lived in the same neighborhood as kids and went to Du Sable high school together...mr Griffin would come to minneapois and play the dakota jazz club ...usually in the early spring...march april...Dad and i would go...see him whenever hecame to town....It was really fun watching 2 old friends talk about their old Chicago neighborhood and experiences....I will always remember those times...

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I met Johnny at Ronnie Scott's in 1975-I was a music student at LCM-he was so kind and supportive and we shared several whiskies in the downstairs bar!Many years later I caught up with him at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival in 2000-he'd just got back from Japan and had some amazing new compositions-he was such a lovely person-I think he would have been a great teacher-does anyone know where he lays?I'd like to visit him.

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Andy Swordy
14 years ago

I met Johnny only once, in July 2007. He was travelling by train from France to Rotterdam to play at the North Sea Jazz Festival. I joined the train in Belgium and when I found me seat, there was a saxophone case on it, which turned out to be Johnny's. We got talking. My Dad was a big jazz fan, me less so, but I remember a wonderful two hours conversation, ranging from music to places to children, just life in general. When I got home I looked Johnny up on the internet and realized just what a privilege it had been to have that chance to meet him. I've since picked some CDs and his music keeps me company. I was very sorry to learn of his death lat year, but his great music lives on. Thanks for the music Johnny, and the conversation. Andy S

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Paul Remington
14 years ago

I learned Johnny was playing in Rochester, NY, where I live, at a now-defunct little club called The Calabash. I was so excited! It was 1986 and I was a rabid 22 year old hard bop fan from a very musical family. I HAD to see him liveā€¦ I bought tickets immediately! I had my brother help me duct tape microphone wiring to my back. I cut holes in my shirt lapels to hide the mike on either side of my collar, then hid the recorder in my coat pocket. It worked great! I captured in stereo the sounds of the club and the beautiful tones of Johnny warming up backstage. You can tell he was a class act just listening to him noodling in the back. Then he came out. I recall Kenny Washington was on drums, looking all of about 20 years old at the time. And WOW did he blow! During one fast-paced jam where he tore up the place with a wicked solo, I got so excited I yelled out, "GO!" I obviously forgot I was recording... It's the one blemish on the entire recording. But his gig is preserved in stereo for posterity. Maybe someday it can be released for everyone's enjoyment. Boy, will he be missed. Johnny was one of my favorite sax players, along with Bird, Trane, and Cannonball. A true master! But his music lives on forever in our ears and hearts. Thank you for that, Johnny!

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DAN CELLI
15 years ago

I SHARED A TABLE WITH AN OLD MAN THAT WAS A EDDIE (LOCKJAW)DAVIS FAN. THAT NIGHT WE BOTH GOT OUR MONEY'S WORTH AT THE JAZZ WORKSHOP IN SAN FRANCISCO IN THE 1960'S. 40 MILES FROM S.F. I BROUGHT MY BOOMBOX AND RECORDED JOHNNY AND HIS GROUP WITH RONNIE MATHEWS ON PIANO IN 1979. IN 1957 AT SHERMAN CLAY,I PLAYED HIS FIRST ALBUM IN THE RECORD BOOTH. I TOLD MY COUSIN ABOUT MY DISCOVERY AND WE'VE BEEN WIGGIN' OUT EVER SINCE!!! I HAVE HIS GREAT VIDEO. ALSO JAZZ AT NEWPORT 79' 3 TENOR'S,JACQUET, DAVIS AND JOHNNY. SO LONG,J.G. DAN CELLI X-D.J.

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RiverIsland
15 years ago

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RiverIsland
15 years ago

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neowoman
15 years ago

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neowoman
15 years ago

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neowoman
15 years ago

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Michael Weiss
15 years ago

Visit artsjournal.com/rifftides for a piece by one of Johnny's longtime sidemen.

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Michael Weiss
15 years ago

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Michael Weiss
15 years ago

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Michael Weiss
15 years ago

Johnny, Ben Riley, Lou Donaldson, Michael Weiss, Frank Wess, Vanessa Rubin

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Dearest Johnny, I can't imagine the world without you. You have been in my heart since you came to Europe in 1962. The kindest and sweetest friend one can have - your fun personality in addition to your great talent will be with me always. My heartfelt prayers go out to the family in the U.S. and to Miriam and Cynthia. I am so sorry for your tragic loss. Johnny your music and memories are with me always. Patricia Mills-Carson Los Angeles

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My memories of Johnny Griffin were a contribution and gift from my parents who played jazz from sun-up to sundown in our home. Johnny Griffin was one of the jazz icons that my father loved, being a jazz saxophonist, too. My mother, a jazz aficionaod and collecter of great jazz music, introduced us to the legends of jazz. So to remember Johnny, I shall pay a special tribute to hin on 8/2/08 on WSSD 88.1 FM in Chicago. I will play his music every hour for six hours paying homage to a great saxophonist. Johnny, the Jazz Pacemaker will remember you for the jazz contributions you made to jazz. Thanks for the CD 'Johnny Griffin and Eddie Lockjaw at Hintons's' - By far one of the best and my favorite. You knew your music and had an awesome sound of your own. Now join your comrades in your place in the jazz band in the sky. We love you Johnny. Marsha Noble, The Jazz Pacemaker - Chicago Jazz .Magazine

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My memories of Johnny Griffin were a contribution and gift from my parents who played jazz from sun-up to sundown in our home. Johnny Griffin was one of the jazz icons that my father loved, being a jazz saxophonist, too. My mother, a jazz aficionado and collecter of great jazz music, introduced us to the legends of jazz. So to remember Johnny, I shall pay a special tribute to him on 8/2/08 on WSSD 88.1 FM in Chicago. I will play his music every hour for six hours paying homage to a great saxophonist. Johnny, the Jazz Pacemaker will remember you for the jazz contributions you made to jazz. Thanks for the CD 'Johnny Griffin and Eddie Lockjaw at Hintons's' - By far one of the best and my favorite. You knew your music and had an awesome sound of your own. Now join your comrades in your place in the jazz band in the sky. We love you Johnny. Marsha Noble, The Jazz Pacemaker - Chicago Jazz .Magazine

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Sharon Davis Perry
15 years ago

Johnny Griffin's daughter, Jo-Ona and I have been childhood friends and are still very best of friends. I used to go to the Village, in downtown NY to see him perform at the Village Vanguard. It was a treat to hear him play. I have extended my condolences to Jo-Ona, and to Ingrid and John, I am very sorry for your loss. And wish you and Jo-Ona a safe trip back from Paris. Love to you all Sharon Davis Perry and Family

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Jonas
15 years ago

You capability to play that fast was amazing. You're the best Johnny and no one will compare to you. It is sad that we were not able to see you perform due to your death, but we're sure that you're in a better place, having jam sessions with the greats.

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Jonas
15 years ago

Tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin soloing over an up tempo blues. Johnny Griffin - tenor sax, Ronnie Matthews - piano, Ray Drummond - bass, Kenny Washington - drums.

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Jonas
15 years ago

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Michael Weiss
15 years ago

Johnny, Ben Riley, Lou Donaldson, Michael Weiss, Frank Wess, Vanessa Rubin at the Village Vanguard, May 2000.

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Jonas
15 years ago

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Jonas
15 years ago

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Jonas
15 years ago

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Jonas
15 years ago

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Jonas
15 years ago

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