Norman Simmons (musician)
Norman Simmons (born October 6, 1929[1][2]) is an American arranger, composer, educator, and most prominently a pianist who has worked extensively with Helen Humes, Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, Anita O'Day, and Joe Williams among others.[3][4]
Biography
Simmons was born in Chicago on October 6, 1929.[1] In 1966 his arrangement for Ramsey Lewis' hit of "Wade in the Water" became a large commercial success.[1] He was a member of the Ellington Legacy Band beginning in 2002.[4]
Discography
As leader
- Norman Simmons Trio (Argo, 1956)
- Ramira the Dancer (Spotlite, 1976)
- Midnight Creeper (Milljac, 1979)
- I'm... the Blues (Milljac, 1981)
- 13th Moon (Milljac, 1986)
As sideman
With Johnny Griffin
- Battle Stations (Prestige, 1960) - with Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis
- Johnny Griffin’s Studio Jazz Party (Riverside, 1960)
With Red Holloway
- Red Soul (Prestige, 1965)
With Carmen McRae
- Sings Lover Man and Other Billie Holiday Classics (Philips, 1962)
- Live at Sugar Hill San Francisco (Time, 1963)
- Second to None (Mainstream, 1964)
- Woman Talk, Live at the Village Gate (Mainstream, 1965)
- Live & Wailing (Mainstream, 1965, reissued with Woman Talk on Columbia, 1973)
- Carmen McRae (Mainstream, 1971)
With Betty Carter
- Betty Carter (Bet-Car Productions, 1970)
- Round Midnight (Roulette, 1975)
- Finally (Roulette, 1988)
With Roy Eldridge
- What It's All About (Pablo, 1976)
With Harold Ousley
- The People's Groove (Muse, 1977)
- Sweet Double Hipness (Muse, 1980)
With Anita O'Day
- With John Poole Trio Featuring Norman Simmons - Live at Mingo's (Emily, 1979)
With Scott Hamilton and Warren Vaché
- Skyscrapers (Concord Jazz, 1980)
With Clifford Jordan, Von Freeman, Cy Touff, Victor Sproles & Wilbur Campbell
- Hyde Park After Dark (Bee Hive, 1983)
With Joe Williams
- Joe Williams & Friends June 1985 - I Just Want to Sing (Delos, 1985)
- Every Night - Recorded Live on Vine St. (Verve, 1987)
With Al Grey & Bjarne Nerem
- Al Meets Bjarne (Gemini, 1987)
As arranger
With Johnny Griffin
- The Little Giant (Riverside, 1959)
- White Gardenia (Riverside, 1961)
With Teri Thornton
- Devil May Care (Riverside, 1961)
References
- ^ a b c Wynn, Ron "Norman Simmons biography." allmusic. Retrieved March 1, 2011.
- ^ "Norman Simmons biography." Jazz Biographies. Retrieved March 1, 2011.
- ^ Porter, Bob (1981). Helen (LP). Helen Humes. Muse Records. MR 5233.
{{cite AV media notes}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters:|titlelink=and|coauthors=(help) - ^ a b "Piano in the Parlour - Norman Simmons Trio April 11th." Hackettstown Business Improvement District. Retrieved March 1, 2011.
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