Jazz History Quiz #188

July 9th, 2026

The correct answer is Tiny Grimes!

photo by William Gottlieb/Library of Congress

Tiny Grimes, New York; between 1946 and 1948

…..“Tiny Grimes was one of the earliest jazz electric guitarists to be influenced by Charlie Christian, and he developed his own swinging style. Early on, he was a drummer and worked as a pianist in Washington. In 1938, he started playing electric guitar, and two years later he was playing in a popular jive group, the Cats and the Fiddle. During 1943-1944, Grimes was part of a classic Art Tatum Trio which also included Slam Stewart. In September 1944, he led his first record date, using Charlie Parker; highlights include the instrumental “Red Cross” and Grimes’ vocal on “Romance Without Finance (Is a Nuisance).”

…..“He also recorded for Blue Note in 1946, and then put together an R&B-oriented group, “the Rockin’ Highlanders,” that featured the tenor of Red Prysock during 1948-1952. Although maintaining a fairly low profile, Tiny Grimes was active up until his death (1989), playing in an unchanged swing/bop transitional style and recording as a leader for such labels as Prestige/Swingville, Black & Blue, Muse, and Sonet.”

– Scott Yanow, for the All Music Guide to Jazz

Listen to the 1944 recording of guitarist Tiny Grimes performing Charlie Parker’s composition “Red Cross,” with Parker (alto saxophone); Clyde Hart, (piano); Jimmie Butts (bass); and Harold West (drums).

Listen to the 1952 recording of Tiny Grimes and His Rocking Highlanders perform the Duke Ellington/Eddie DeLange/Irving Mills composition “Solitude” (featuring saxophonist Red Prysock)