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

As sideman

With Johnny Griffin

With Red Holloway

With Carmen McRae

With Betty Carter

With Roy Eldridge

With Harold Ousley

With Anita O'Day

With Scott Hamilton and Warren Vaché

With Clifford Jordan, Von Freeman, Cy Touff, Victor Sproles & Wilbur Campbell

With Joe Williams

With Al Grey & Bjarne Nerem

As arranger

With Johnny Griffin

With Teri Thornton

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Wynn, Ron "Norman Simmons biography." allmusic. Retrieved March 1, 2011.
  2. "Norman Simmons biography." Jazz Biographies. Retrieved March 1, 2011.
  3. Porter, Bob (1981). Helen (LP). Helen Humes. Muse Records. MR 5233.
  4. 4.0 4.1 "Piano in the Parlour - Norman Simmons Trio April 11th." Hackettstown Business Improvement District. Retrieved March 1, 2011.