June 6, 1935 – January 31, 1979

Click here to Support Jazz on the Tube

Guitarist and composer Grant Green was born on June 6, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Green started playing professionally at the age of 12, inspired by the music of Charlie Christian, Charlie Parker, and Lester Young.

McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Sonny Clark, and many others sought him out.

He made his first recordings with tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest before releasing his own debut as a leader, “Grant’s First Stand,” in 1961.

Green’s bluesy groove is immediately recognizable, and he primarily worked with small groups, including musicians McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, and Sonny Clark.

After spending much of 1978 hospitalized, Grant returned to the road against medical advice.

While booked at George Benson’s Breezin’ Lounge in New York, he collapsed in his car and died from a heart attack on January 31, 1979.

Grant Green appears with fellow guitarists Barney Kessel and Kenny Burrell in this rare 1968 film clip playing “Blue Mist.”

Personnel:

Grant Green, guitar
Barney Kessel, guitar
Kenny Burrell, guitar
Larry Ridley, bass
Don Lamond, drums

Click here to Support Jazz on the Tube