Henry Grimes (born November 3, 1935) is a jazz double bassist. His recent rediscovery is among the most remarkable events in music history.
Grimes trained at The Juilliard School, and established a reputation as a versatile bassist in the mid 1950s. He recorded or performed with Gerry Mulligan, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, Anita O’Day , Benny Goodman and many others. When famed bassist Charles Mingus experimented with a second bass in his band, Grimes was the person he selected for the job.
Gradually growing interested in free jazz, Grimes performed with Cecil Taylor, Don Cherry, Pharoah Sanders, Archie Shepp and Albert Ayler.
Then in the late 1960s, Grimes seemed to disappear completely after moving to California. Many assumed Grimes was dead.
Marshall Marrotte, a social worker and jazz fan, set out to discover Grimes's fate once and for all. To his surprise, he found Grimes alive, but nearly destitute, living in a small apartment in Los Angeles. Having suffered from bipolar disorder and long ago sold his bass, Grimes had fallen out of touch with the jazz world, but was eager to perform again.
Word spread of Grimes's “resurrection” and many musicians offered their help. William Parker donated a bass, and others assisted with travel expenses and arranging performances.
Grimes's return was featured in the New York Times and on National Public Radio. A documentary film is planned, as is a biography.
Grimes has made up for lost time: In 2003 he performed at over two-dozen music festivals or other appearances. Grimes received a returning hero's welcome at the Vision Festival, and is teaching lessons and workshops for bassists. He is reportedly eager to record.
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