Paul Griffin (musician)

Paul Griffin (August 6, 1937 – June 14, 2000) was an American session musician and pianist who recorded with hundreds of artists from the late 1950s to the 1990s. Born in Harlem, New York, he began as the touring pianist in the backing band for King Curtis and eventually worked with artists such as Bob Dylan, Steely Dan, Don McLean, the Isley Brothers, Van Morrison, the Shirelles, and Dionne Warwick. He may be best known for playing on the critically acclaimed albums Highway 61 Revisited, Blonde on Blonde, and Aja. His distinctive piano accompaniment to Don McLean's "American Pie" is considered by many to be a defining element of that megahit recording. In addition, he worked on several films. He was an arranger for The Warriors (1979) and Four Friends (1981) and performed in On Location: Robert Klein at Yale (1982) and on the soundtrack for Blue Sunshine (1976). Griffin died at age 62 at his home in New York.

Recordings

External links

• Paul Griffin discography at Discogs
• Paul Griffin at the Internet Movie Database
• Paul Griffin obituary in the New York Times
• Paul Griffin letter regarding his achievements