I learned Johnny was playing in Rochester, NY, where I live, at a now-defunct little club called The Calabash. I was so excited! It was 1986 and I was a rabid 22 year old hard bop fan from a very musical family. I HAD to see him live… I bought tickets immediately!

I had my brother help me duct tape microphone wiring to my back. I cut holes in my shirt lapels to hide the mike on either side of my collar, then hid the recorder in my coat pocket. It worked great! I captured in stereo the sounds of the club and the beautiful tones of Johnny warming up backstage. You can tell he was a class act just listening to him noodling in the back. Then he came out. I recall Kenny Washington was on drums, looking all of about 20 years old at the time. And WOW did he blow! During one fast-paced jam where he tore up the place with a wicked solo, I got so excited I yelled out, "GO!" I obviously forgot I was recording... It's the one blemish on the entire recording. But his gig is preserved in stereo for posterity. Maybe someday it can be released for everyone's enjoyment.

Boy, will he be missed. Johnny was one of my favorite sax players, along with Bird, Trane, and Cannonball. A true master! But his music lives on forever in our ears and hearts.

Thank you for that, Johnny!

Visit artsjournal.com/rifftides for a piece by one of Johnny's longtime sidemen.

My memories of Johnny Griffin were a contribution and gift from my parents who played jazz from sun-up to sundown in our home. Johnny Griffin was one of the jazz icons that my father loved, being a jazz saxophonist, too. My mother, a jazz aficionaod and collecter of great jazz music, introduced us to the legends of jazz. So to remember Johnny, I shall pay a special tribute to hin on 8/2/08 on WSSD 88.1 FM in Chicago. I will play his music every hour for six hours paying homage to a great saxophonist. Johnny, the Jazz Pacemaker will remember you for the jazz contributions you made to jazz. Thanks for the CD 'Johnny Griffin and Eddie Lockjaw at Hintons's' - By far one of the best and my favorite.
You knew your music and had an awesome sound of your own. Now join your comrades in your place in the jazz band in the sky. We love you Johnny.

Marsha Noble, The Jazz Pacemaker - Chicago Jazz .Magazine

Johnny Griffin's daughter, Jo-Ona and I have been childhood friends and are still very best of friends. I used to go to the Village, in downtown NY to see him perform at the Village Vanguard. It was a treat to hear him play. I have extended my condolences to Jo-Ona, and to Ingrid and John, I am very sorry for your loss. And wish you and Jo-Ona a safe trip back from Paris. Love to you all
Sharon Davis Perry and Family