Johnny Griffin

The Profile

Johnny Griffin (1928–2008) was an American hard-bop tenor saxophonist from Chicago, renowned for his blistering technique and blues-rooted tone. He recorded pivotal Blue Note and Riverside sessions, worked with Thelonious Monk and Art Blakey, and earned the nickname “Little Giant.”

Played with John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, and Paul Chambers; key Blue Note leader dates include A Blowin' Session and The Congregation; renowned as a leading hard-bop tenor; nickname: “Little Giant.”

A single, warmly positive review revisits Johnny Griffin’s The Congregation (1957), praising his robust, blues-infused Chicago tenor and tight hard-bop craft. It highlights the role of Paul Chambers and Sonny Clark and notes the Warhol-designed Blue Note cover as trivia. The reviewer argues history was harsh on Griffin despite his top-tier chops and major collaborations. Overall: a confident, enjoyable set worth rediscovering.