Musician. For over four decades, he was a soul-jazz guitarist dudded as the master of the groove. Beginning in the 1960s, he pioneered his signature melodic, pulsating, twangy feel performing with virtually all of the great organists such as Leon Spencer, Charles Earland, Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Sonny Phillips, and Jimmy McGriff. During the 1970s to 1990s, he was a much-in-demand session player recording with artists Lou Donaldson, Etta James, Sam Cooke, Rhoda Scott, Bernard Purdie, and countless other soul stars. As a solo artist for Prestige Records, his albums included "Sparks" (1970), "Sparkplug" (1971), "Texas Twister)" (1974), "Sparkling" (1981), "I'm a Gitter Play" (1997) and "Groove On Up" (2005). He also appeared on several advertising campaigns and television commercials. He died from complications of diabetes.
Musician. For over four decades, he was a soul-jazz guitarist dudded as the master of the groove. Beginning in the 1960s, he pioneered his signature melodic, pulsating, twangy feel performing with virtually all of the great organists such as Leon Spencer, Charles Earland, Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Sonny Phillips, and Jimmy McGriff. During the 1970s to 1990s, he was a much-in-demand session player recording with artists Lou Donaldson, Etta James, Sam Cooke, Rhoda Scott, Bernard Purdie, and countless other soul stars. As a solo artist for Prestige Records, his albums included "Sparks" (1970), "Sparkplug" (1971), "Texas Twister)" (1974), "Sparkling" (1981), "I'm a Gitter Play" (1997) and "Groove On Up" (2005). He also appeared on several advertising campaigns and television commercials. He died from complications of diabetes.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
Gravesite Details
Grave and marker located in The Garden of The Apostles.
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