Gerald Wiggins

Gerald Wiggins was an extremely flexible pianist quite comfortable in golf swing or bop configurations, but he was in his best when executing along with his longtime trio, an organization that also included bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Paul Humphrey. Wiggins’ swinging and regularly witty design, typically filled up with catchy riffs, was sometimes similar to Erroll Garner and Artwork Tatum, but generally quite unique. “The Hairpiece” began with piano lessons when he was four, switching from traditional music to jazz as an adolescent. He doubled on bass while going to NY City’s SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL of Music & Artwork and worked for a while in the first ’40s like a piano accompanist for Stepin Fetchit. Wiggins used Les Hite, and in 1943 toured using the big rings of Louis Armstrong and Benny Carter. Within the armed service (1944-1946), he frequently played in regional jazz night clubs in Seattle. After his release, he settled completely in the LA area. A favorite accompanist for performers, Wiggins caused Lena Horne (touring with her from 1950-1951), Helen Humes, Ella Mae Morse, Eartha Kitt, Nat Ruler Cole, Kay Starr, Lou Rawls, Ernie Andrews, Linda Hopkins, and Joe Williams, amongst others. Wiggins was also used like a vocal trainer at Hollywood film studios and experienced the opportunity to utilize Marilyn Monroe. Within the Los Angeles region, Wiggins led trios from your 1950s onward, learning to be a constant fixture in regional night clubs. He also performed piano using the Frank Capp Juggernaut and caused fellow Concord performers like Scott Hamilton. Over time, Wiggins led classes for Golf swing and Vogue (both in 1950), Ember, Crown, Tampa, Niche, Motif, Mode, Problem, Hi-Fi, Modern (1961), Dark & Blue, and, within the 1990s, Concord. His child J.J. Wiggins is usually an excellent bassist. Gerald Wiggins passed away in LA in July of 2008; he was 86 yrs . old.