Tiny Grimes was an American jazz guitarist, bandleader, and singer born Lloyd Grimes in Newport News, Virginia, in 1916. Originally a dancer and drummer, he taught himself the four-string tenor guitar and quickly developed a distinctive swing style that bridged the gap between traditional jazz and bebop. Grimes first gained wide attention as a member of the Art Tatum Trio from 1943 to 1944, where his rhythmic drive complemented Tatum's virtuosity. His most historically significant recordings came in 1944, when he led sessions that included the young Charlie Parker as a sideman. These dates produced "Tiny's Tempo," "Romance Without Finance," and "Red Cross," all three of which are featured on AllSolos and stand as important early documents of the bebop movement. Throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, Grimes led his own groups, including the Rocking Highlanders, blending jazz with rhythm and blues. He continued recording into the 1970s and 1980s for labels including Prestige and Swingville, working alongside Coleman Hawkins, Illinois Jacquet, and Roy Eldridge. Grimes died in New York City in 1989, recognized as one of the few guitarists to have worked closely with both Art Tatum and Charlie Parker.
