According to his Web site, James Harrel McGriff was born in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood. His parents were both pianists, but McGriff started out on bass and saxophone and later played drums, vibes, and piano.
He served as a military policeman during the Korean War and spent 2½ years as a Philadelphia policeman, moonlighting as a bass player, according to the site. He was offered a recording contract after a scout heard him play "I Got A Woman" at a small club in Trenton, N.J.
That song on Sue Records became one of McGriff's greatest hits, and he also recorded for Solid State, United Artists, Blue Note, Groove Merchant, Milestone, Headfirst and Telarc.
A viewing is planned Monday, June 2, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home in Marlton, N.J., Margaret McGriff said.
Another viewing is planned Tuesday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Harold O. Davis Memorial Baptist Church, 4500 N. 10th St., Philadelphia, with the funeral service to follow.
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On the Net: http://www.jimmymcgriff.com/home
