We visited with Margaret McGriff, widow of jazz organist and band leader, Jimmy McGriff. McGriff (1936-2008) was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania. He served in the US Army during the Korean War and later became a police officer for 2 years in Philadelphia. McGriff studied organ with Jimmy Smith and later at Juilliard. McGriff formed a combo in the early 1960s that included tenor saxophonist (and later, organist), Charles Earland. He recorded several popular albums including Blues for Mister Jimmy. In 1986, he partnered with alto saxophonist, Hank Crawford recording 6 albums, appearing live at clubs and cruise ships. His musical style leaned towards hard bop and soul-jazz.
This collection includes approx. 15 linear ft. of award plaques, documents, paper memorabilia, photographs, and audio and video recordings documenting McGriff’s personal life, musical career, early ventures ex. Jazz club ownership, and performances spanning the years 1970s- 2004.
