Henry Grimes

Henry Grimes (born November 3, 1935) is a jazz double bassist. His recent rediscovery is among the most remarkable events in music history.

Related Topics:
November 3 - 1935 - Jazz - Double bassist

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Grimes trained at The Juilliard School, and established a reputation as a versatile bassist in the mid 1950s. He recorded or performed with Gerry Mulligan, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, Anita O?Day, Benny Goodman and many others. When famed bassist Charles Mingus experimented with a second bass in his band, Grimes was the person he selected for the job.

Related Topics:
The Juilliard School - Gerry Mulligan - Sonny Rollins - Thelonious Monk - Anita O?Day - Benny Goodman - Charles Mingus

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Gradually growing interested in free jazz, Grimes performed withmost of the music's important names, including Cecil Taylor, Don Cherry, Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp and Albert Ayler.

Related Topics:
Free jazz - Cecil Taylor - Don Cherry - Pharoah Sanders - Archie Shepp - Albert Ayler

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Then in the late 1960s, Grimes seemed to disappear completely after moving to California. Many assumed Grimes was dead; he was listed as such in several jazz reference works.

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Marshall Marrotte, a social worker and jazz fan, set out to discover Grimes's fate once and for all. To his surprise, he found Grimes alive, but nearly destitute, renting a small apartment in Los Angeles, California. Having suffered from bipolar disorder and long ago sold his bass, Grimes had fallen out of touch with the jazz world, but was eager to perform again.

Related Topics:
Los Angeles, California - Bipolar disorder

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Word spread of Grimes's ?resurrection? and many musicians offered their help. William Parker donated a bass, and others assisted with travel expenses and arranging performances.

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Grimes's return was featured in the New York Times and on National Public Radio. A documentary film is planned, as is a biography.

Related Topics:
New York Times - National Public Radio - Documentary - Biography

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Grimes has made up for lost time: In 2003 he performed at over two-dozen music festivals or other appearances. Grimes received a returning hero's welcome at the Vision Festival, and is teaching lessons and workshops for bassists. He is reportedly eager to record.

Related Topics:
2003 - Vision Festival

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