Gerald Wiggins

Gerald Wiggins was a highly flexible pianist quite comfortable in swing or bop settings, but he was at his best when performing with his longtime trio, a group also including bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Paul Humphrey. Wiggins' swinging and consistently witty style, typically filled with catchy riffs, was at times reminiscent of Erroll Garner and Art Tatum, but generally quite distinctive. Wiggins played with Les Hite, and in 1943 toured with the big bands of Louis Armstrong and Benny Carter. A popular accompanist for singers, Wiggins worked with Lena Horne, Helen Humes, Ella Mae Morse, Eartha Kitt, Nat "King" Cole, Kay Starr, Lou Rawls, Ernie Andrews, Linda Hopkins, and Joe Williams, among others. Wiggins was also employed as a vocal coach at Hollywood film studios and had the opportunity to work with Marilyn Monroe. He led trios from 1950s onward, becoming a consistent fixture in Los Angeles clubs. Wiggins died in Los Angeles in July of 2008; he was 86 years old.