Gerald Wiggins

Pianist

Birthday May 12, 1922

Birth Sign Taurus

Birthplace New York

DEATH DATE Jul 13, 2008 (86)

#282,526 Most Popular

About

Nicknamed The Wig. He was a flexible and respected jazz artist who was known for his trio with bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Paul Humphrey.

Before Fame

His first professional gig was as an accompanist for pioneering black actor and comedian Stepin Fetchit.

Trivia

His collaborators included Louis Armstrong, Benny Carter, Lena Horne, Eartha Kitt, Kay Starr, Nat King Cole, Lou Rawls, and Jimmy Witherspoon.

Family Life

He fathered a son, J.J., who would become a bassist and take the name Hassan Shakur.

Associated With

He appeared in an episode of the sitcom 227 starring Marla Gibbs.