About this Artist

It was during the heyday of Central Avenue in the 1940s that pianist GERALD WIGGINS, a New York native, settled in Los Angeles after finishing a tour of duty in the Armed Forces. Previous to that time, Wiggins had toured with comedian Stepin Fetchit, and with the big bands of Louis Armstrong and Benny Carter. He immediately became a popular accompanist for singers and has played behind such artists as Lena Horne, Eartha Kitt, Nat “King” Cole, Lou Rawls, Ernie Andrews, and Joe Williams, among many others. Wiggins has also worked as a vocal coach for Hollywood film studios, including an assignment as a coach for Marilyn Monroe. Since settling in Los Angeles, Wiggins and his trios have become fixtures in the area jazz scene, including his most recent trio with bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Paul Humphrey.

Gerald Wiggins has led recording sessions throughout his time in LA, including dates for the Swing, Vogue, Ember, Crown, Tampa, Specialty, Mode, Hi-Fi, Contemporary, and Black & Blue labels. Since the early 1990s, he has recorded for the Concord Jazz label.