C. Griffin

Gordon Claude "Chris" Griffin (October 31, 1915 – June 18, 2005) was an American jazz trumpeter.

Griffin was born in Binghamton, New York, United States, but moved to White Plains when he was ten; he began playing trumpet at age twelve, and played in dance bands as a teenager. He worked with Charlie Barnet, Rudy Vallee, Miff Mole, Mildred Bailey, Teddy Wilson, and Joe Haymes in the mid-1930s, and did work as a studio musician for CBS radio broadcasting. In 1936 he joined Benny Goodman's big band, remaining with him until 1939. He appeared in several movies as a member of Goodman's ensemble, such as The Big Broadcast of 1937 and Hollywood Hotel, and was the last surviving member of Goodman's band to perform in the first major jazz event at Carnegie Hall which was recorded and later released as The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert. In 1940 he played with Jimmy Dorsey and occasionally returned to Goodman's band in the 1940s and 1950s, but primarily worked on staff at CBS from the late 1930s onward. He played trumpet for radio television soundtracks into the 1980s, including for The Ed Sullivan Show, The Jackie Gleason Show, Lucky Strike Hit Parade, The Philip Morris Playhouse, and Camel Caravan.

Griffin and Pee Wee Erwin co-founded a trumpet education school which operated from 1966 to 1970, and toured with Warren Covington in Europe in 1974. He worked with Tex Beneke, Bud Freeman, and Warren Vaché Sr. later in his career. In the 1980s he led an ensemble of his own which included sidemen such as Marty Napoleon, Sonny Igoe, Jane Jarvis, and Major Holley.

Griffin was married to vocalist Helen O'Brien for 60 years until her death in 2000. The couple had four sons, one of whom also died in 2000, and two daughters. He died aged 89 in 2005 of melanoma.

Birth and Death Data: Born October 31, 1915 (Binghamton), Died June 18, 2005 (Danbury)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1937 - 1954

Roles Represented in DAHR: trumpet

Notes: Birth name: Gordon Griffin.

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Victor PBS-09569 10-in. 7/6/1937 Peckin' Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor PBS-09570 10-in. 7/6/1937 Can't we be friends? Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor PCS-09571 12-in. 7/6/1937 Sing, sing, sing Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor PCS-09572 12-in. 7/6/1937 Sing, sing, sing Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor PBS-09576 10-in. 7/7/1937 Roll 'em Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor PBS-09577 10-in. 7/7/1937 When it's sleepy time down South Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor PBS-09578 10-in. 7/7/1937 Afraid to dream Benny Goodman Orchestra ; Betty Van Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor PBS-09579 10-in. 7/7/1937 Changes Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-017039 10-in. 11/12/1937 You took the words right out of my mouth Benny Goodman Orchestra ; Martha Tilton Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-017040 10-in. 11/12/1937 Mama, that moon is here again Benny Goodman Orchestra ; Martha Tilton Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-017041 10-in. 11/12/1937 Loch Lomond Benny Goodman Orchestra ; Martha Tilton Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-017042 10-in. 11/12/1937 Camel hop Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-017043 10-in. 11/12/1937 True confession Benny Goodman Orchestra ; Martha Tilton Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-017044 10-in. 11/12/1937 Life goes to a party Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-017454 10-in. 12/3/1937 If dreams come true Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-017455 10-in. 12/3/1937 I'm like a fish out of water Benny Goodman Orchestra ; Martha Tilton Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-017456 10-in. 12/3/1937 Sweet stranger Benny Goodman Orchestra ; Martha Tilton Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-019831 10-in. 2/16/1938 Don't be that way Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-019832 10-in. 2/16/1938 One o'clock jump Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-024472 10-in. 8/8/1938 You got me Benny Goodman Orchestra ; Martha Tilton Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-024473 10-in. 8/8/1938 Blue interlude Benny Goodman Orchestra ; Martha Tilton Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-028997 10-in. 11/23/1938 I must see Annie tonight Benny Goodman Orchestra ; Martha Tilton Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-028998 10-in. 11/23/1938 Kind'a lonesome Benny Goodman Orchestra ; Martha Tilton Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-028999 10-in. 11/23/1938 My honey's lovin' arms Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-030308 10-in. 11/23/1938 Farewell blues Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-034649 10-in. 5/4/1939 Pick a rib Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-034650 10-in. 5/4/1939 You and your love Benny Goodman Orchestra ; Martha Tilton Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor BS-034651 10-in. 5/4/1939 Who'll buy my bublitchki? Benny Goodman Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D6VB-3280 10-in. 11/19/1946 Empty saddles Mullen Sisters ; Tony Mottola Orchestra Female vocal trio, with jazz/dance septet instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D6VB-3281 10-in. 11/19/1946 Time on my Hands Mullen Sisters ; Tony Mottola Orchestra Female vocal trio, with jazz/dance septet instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D6VB-3282 10-in. 11/19/1946 Basin Street blues Mullen Sisters ; Tony Mottola Orchestra Female vocal trio, with jazz/dance septet instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D6VB-3286 10-in. 11/26/1946 Standing in the need of prayer Mullen Sisters ; Tony Mottola Orchestra Female vocal trio, with jazz/dance septet instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D7VB-0994 10-in. 6/23/1947 Mother, Mother, Mother (is it good or is it bad) Toots Camarata ; Beryl Davis ; Toots Camarata Orchestra Female vocal solo, with jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D7VB-0995 10-in. 6/23/1947 You're breaking in a new heart (while you're breaking mine) Toots Camarata ; Beryl Davis ; Toots Camarata Orchestra Female vocal solo, with jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D7VB-1215 10-in. 6/30/1947 Trouble is a man Hall Sisters ; Jesse Stone Orchestra ; Jesse Stone Female vocal trio, with jazz/dance septet instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D7VB-1216 10-in. 6/30/1947 You never can tell the depth of a well (by the length of the handle on the pump) Hall Sisters ; Jesse Stone Orchestra ; Jesse Stone Female vocal trio, with jazz/dance septet instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D7VB-2085 10-in. 11/17/1947 Sneaky Pete Jesse Stone Orchestra ; Jesse Stone Male vocal solo, with jazz septet instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D7VB-2086 10-in. 11/17/1947 I came home unexpectedly Jesse Stone Orchestra ; Jesse Stone Male vocal solo, with jazz septet instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D7VB-2087 10-in. 11/17/1947 Who's zat Jesse Stone Orchestra Male vocal solo, with jazz septet instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D7VB-2088 10-in. 11/18/1947 Texas belle Pecos River Rogues ; Billy Williams [1913-2001] Male vocal solo, with instrumental ensemble instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D7VB-2089 10-in. 11/18/1947 That tumbledown shack (in the valley) Pecos River Rogues ; Billy Williams [1913-2001] Male vocal solo, with instrumental ensemble instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D7VB-2090 10-in. 11/18/1947 Just as big as Texas Pecos River Rogues ; Billy Williams [1913-2001] Male vocal solo, with instrumental ensemble instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D7VB-2091 10-in. 11/18/1947 Livin' western style Pecos River Rogues ; Billy Williams [1913-2001] Male vocal solo, with instrumental ensemble instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9VB-0990 10-in. 3/24/1949 Happy Talk Eve Young Female vocal solo, with instrumental ensemble instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9VB-1246 10-in. 4/7/1949 Bar room polka Merrie Musette Orchestra ; Johnny Olsen Male vocal solo, with vocal trio and jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9VB-1247 10-in. 4/7/1949 The miller's daughter Continental Capers ; Merrie Musette Orchestra Vocal group, with jazz/dance band instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9VB-1516 10-in. 5/17/1949 My love loves me Henri René ; Fran Warren Female vocal solo, with instrumental ensemble instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9VB-1517 10-in. 5/17/1949 Will I find my love today? Henri René ; Fran Warren Female vocal solo, with instrumental ensemble instrumentalist, trumpet  
Victor D9VB-1518 10-in. 5/17/1949 (Where are you) Now that I need you? Henri René ; Fran Warren Female vocal solo, with instrumental ensemble instrumentalist, trumpet  
Atlantic 411 10-in. 4/26/1950 Crazy words - crazy tune - vo-do-de-o Tommy Reynolds ; The Tom Cats instrumentalist, trumpet  
Atlantic 412 10-in. 4/26/1950 Did you come back to say goodbye? Tommy Reynolds ; The Tom Cats instrumentalist, trumpet  
Atlantic 413 10-in. 4/26/1950 Oceana roll Tommy Reynolds ; The Tom Cats instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 73300 1/22/1946 Good morning heartache-1 Billie Holiday instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 73301 1/22/1946 No good man Billie Holiday instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 73301[a] 1/22/1946 Big Stuff Billie Holiday instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 73818 3/19/1947 A Sunday kind of love Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 73819 3/19/1947 That's my desire Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 73820 3/19/1947 Oh, lady be good Ella Fitzgerald instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 76401 5/22/1950 Semper fidelis Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 76402 5/22/1950 El Capitan Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 76403 5/22/1950 The thunderer Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 76845 9/14/1950 Jingle bells Artie Shaw Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 76846 9/14/1950 Where or when Artie Shaw Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 76847 9/14/1950 Blue again Artie Shaw Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 76912 9/29/1950 May I? Tommy Dorsey Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 76913 9/29/1950 One morning in May Tommy Dorsey Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81328 8/1/1951 The kissing bug boogie Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81329 8/1/1951 (I wouldn't be where I am) If you hadn't gone away Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81330 8/1/1951 Coral reef Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81397 8/14/1951 A cabin in the cotton Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81398 8/14/1951 Bing bong bing Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81399 8/14/1951 Uncle Jim Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81451 8/24/1951 Shine on harvest moon Jerry Gray Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81452 8/24/1951 Introduction to a waltz Jerry Gray Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81453 8/25/1951 The dipsy doodle Jerry Gray Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81454 8/25/1951 Flagwaver Jerry Gray Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81749 10/22/1951 Charmaine Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81750 10/22/1951 Regular man Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 81751 10/22/1951 Uncle Jim Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 82042 12/27/1951 You're the only one I love Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 82043 12/27/1951 Don't be that way Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 82255 2/6/1952 Sahara's aide Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 82256 2/6/1952 Always Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 82257 2/6/1952 Cherokee Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 83644 11/14/1952 Lake Placid Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 83645 11/14/1952 Uncle Jim Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 83646 11/14/1952 Waltzing on a cloud Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 83647 11/15/1952 In Veradero-1 Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 83648 11/15/1952 Falling in love all over again Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 83649 11/15/1952 It's a happy holiday Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 83650 11/15/1952 Two for a nickel, three for a dime Neal Hefti Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 84736 6/22/1953 Memphis blues Ray McKinley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 84737 6/22/1953 Ol' shanks mare Ray McKinley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 84738 6/22/1953 Rhythm-a-tic Ray McKinley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 84739 6/22/1953 Long gone Ray McKinley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 84817 7/6/1953 It could happen to you Artie Shaw Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 84818 7/6/1953 They can't take that away from me Artie Shaw Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 84819 7/6/1953 All the things you are Artie Shaw Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 84820 7/6/1953 September song Artie Shaw Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 85447 11/7/1953 Whamboogie George Williams Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 85448 11/7/1953 Creole George Williams Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 85449 11/7/1953 The knocked out choo choo George Williams Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 85450 11/7/1953 The rompin' stamper George Williams Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 86481 6/29/1954 Soft touch George Williams Orchestra ; Bart Varsalona instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 86482 6/29/1954 Block buster George Williams Orchestra ; Bart Varsalona instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 86483 6/29/1954 You can't stop love George Williams Orchestra ; Bart Varsalona instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 86484 6/29/1954 Saturday night function George Williams Orchestra ; Bart Varsalona instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 86982 10/29/1954 [Unknown title(s)] George Williams Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 86983 10/29/1954 Song from Desiree (We meet again) George Williams Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 86984 10/29/1954 Tiger rag mambo George Williams Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca 86985 10/29/1954 [Unknown title(s)] George Williams Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 189 10-in. 1945 22 steps from the corner Johnny Bothwell Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 190 10-in. 1945 Strange feeling Johnny Bothwell Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 281 10-in. 1946 Etude Brutus Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 289 10-in. 1946 If I'm lucky Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 290 10-in. 1946 Sooner or later Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 291 10-in. 1946 Turn the knob on the left to the right Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 417 10-in. 1947 If there is someone lovelier Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 418 10-in. 1947 Celery stalks at midnight Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 419 10-in. 1947 Easy ride Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 514 10-in. approximately 1947 Lonely moments Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 515 10-in. approximately 1947 Bop 'n' boogie Will Bradley Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 564 10-in. approximately 1947 What is this thing called love? Anita O'Day instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 565 10-in. approximately 1947 Hi ho trailus boot whip Anita O'Day instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 566 10-in. approximately 1947 I told ya I love ya Anita O'Day instrumentalist, trumpet  
Signature SRC 567 10-in. approximately 1947 It's different when it happens to you Anita O'Day instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca L 6046 2/6/1951 You're just in love Lil Hardin Armstrong ; Louis Armstrong instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca L 6047 2/6/1951 If Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  
Decca L 6048 2/6/1951 (I want a) Big butter and egg man (from the West) Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra instrumentalist, trumpet  

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Griffin, C.," accessed November 9, 2024, https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/112159.

Griffin, C.. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved November 9, 2024, from https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/112159.

"Griffin, C.." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 9 November 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/112159

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