Gerald Wiggins
Helen Humes and Wiggins at the Village Jazz Lounge in Walt Disney World
Helen Humes and Wiggins at the Village Jazz Lounge in Walt Disney World
Background information
Birth nameGerald Foster Wiggins
Born(1922-05-12)May 12, 1922
New York City, New York, U.S.
DiedJuly 13, 2008(2008-07-13) (aged 86)
Encino, California, U.S.
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Musician, composer, arranger
Instrument(s)Piano, organ

Gerald Foster Wiggins (May 12, 1922 – July 13, 2008) was an American jazz pianist and organist.[1]

Early life

Wiggins was born in New York City on May 12, 1922.[2] He studied classical music, but switched to jazz in his teens.[2][3]

Later life and career

Wiggins began as a professional career as a musician accompanying comedian Stepin Fetchit.[2] Wiggins worked with Louis Armstrong and Benny Carter.[2] He was in the military from 1944 to 1946.[2] In the 1940s, he moved to Los Angeles, where he played music for television and film. He also worked with singers like Lena Horne (1950–51), Kay Starr, and Eartha Kitt.[2] In 1960, his best recording as an organist appeared, Wiggin' Out, known for the quality of its music and fresh, clear sound. He recorded another LP at the organ with saxophonist Teddy Edwards. "In the 1960s he worked as a music director and vocal coach in film studios,"[2] including "a lengthy stint as vocal coach for Marilyn Monroe."[4] In the 1970s he often collaborated with vocalist Helen Humes.[4]

Wiggins was known for his trio with Andy Simpkins and Paul Humphrey, among others.[2] He also appeared in an episode of 227,[5] and an episode of Moesha,[6] in both cases he played a pianist. "He appeared regularly at American jazz parties and festivals and occasionally at Japanese and European festivals and was in demand for recording sessions."[2] Late in his career, Wiggins recorded for Concord Records which according to The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz "demonstrate his firm touch, all-round musicianship, and sense of swing."[2]

Personal life and death

Wiggins was married to Lynn Wiggins from 1987 until his death. He had two children, three step-children, and several grandchildren,[4][7] and died in Los Angeles on July 13, 2008, at the age of 86.[8][4]

Selected discography

As leader/co-leader

  • Wiggin' with Wig (Dig, 1956)
  • Relax and Enjoy It! (Contemporary, 1956)
  • Collections (Intro, 1957) with Red Norvo, Art Pepper and Joe Morello
  • Reminiscin' with Wig (Fresh Sound, 1957)
  • The King and I ( Challenge, 1957)
  • The Gerald Wiggins Trio (Tampa Records, 1958)
  • The Loveliness of You... (Tampa Records, 1958)
  • Music from "Around the World in 80 days" in Modern Jazz (Specialty 1958)
  • Wiggin' out (Hi-Fi Jazz 1960) – as organist
  • Memory Lane (Ava 1964)
  • Wig is here (Black and Blue 1977)
  • A beautiful friendship (Black and Blue 1977)
  • Live at Maybeck Recital Hall, Volume Eight (Concord 1990)
  • Soulidarity (Concord 1995)
  • Gerry Wiggins and friends (Madwig Music 2002)

As sideman

With Mel Brown

With Red Callender

With Benny Carter

With Buddy Collette

With Harry Edison

With Teddy Edwards

With Tal Farlow

With Paul Horn

With Illinois Jacquet

With Cal Tjader

  • Cal Tjader Quartet (Fantasy, 1956)

With Gerald Wilson

References

  1. ↑ "Gerald Wiggins | Biography & History | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 2017-01-17.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Vacher, Peter "Wiggins, Gerry". The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz (2nd edition). Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press. Retrieved February 1, 2016. (Subscription required).
  3. ↑ Bryant, Clora (1998). Central Avenue sounds: Jazz in Los Angeles. Berkeley, California: University of California Press. pp. 311–323. ISBN 9780520220980.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Vacher, Peter (October 23, 2008). "Gerry Wiggins". The Guardian. Retrieved October 11, 2018.
  5. ↑ "Gerald Wiggins". IMDb.com. Retrieved 2017-01-17.
  6. ↑ "Gerald Wiggins". TV.com. Retrieved 2017-01-17.
  7. ↑ Heckman, Don (July 15, 2008). "Jazz pianist played with his trio, plus many greats". Los Angeles Times.
  8. ↑ "Gerald Wiggins: Leading Los Angeles Jazz Pianist". The Times. July 25, 2008.
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