Guitarist and composer Grant Green was born on June 6, 1935 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Green was playing professionally at 12, inspired by the music of Charlie Christian, Charlie Parker, and Lester Young.

McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Sonny Clark and many others sought him out.

He made his first recordings with tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrest before the 1961 release of his own debut as leader “Grant’s First Stand.”

Green’s bluesy grove is immediately recognizable and he worked mainly with small groups including musicians McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, and Sonny Clark.

After spending much of 1978 hospitalized Grant returned to the road against medical advice.

While booked at George Benson’s Breezin’ Lounge in New York he collapsed in his car and died from a heart attack on January 31, 1979.

Grant Green appears with fellow guitarists Barney Kessel and Kenny Burrell in 1968 on this rare film clip playing “Blue Mist.”

Personnel:

Grant Green, guitar
Barney Kessel, guitar
Kenny Burrell, guitar
Larry Ridley, bass
Don Lamond, drums