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Origin
New York City
Genre
Jazz
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1 MaleOrigin
New York CityGenre
JazzStyle
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Born
1922
Active
1942 to 
2008
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Gerald Foster Wiggins, Sr. (May 12, 1922 – July 13, 2008) was a jazz pianist and organist. Wiggins was born in New York City on May 12, 1922. He studied classical music, but switched to jazz in his teens.
Wiggins began as a professional career as a musician accompanying comedian Stepin Fetchit. Wiggins worked with Louis Armstrong and Benny Carter. He was in the military from 1944 to 1946. In the 1940s, he moved to Los Angeles, where he played music for television and film. He also worked with singers like Lena Horne (1950–51), Kay Starr, and Eartha Kitt. In 1960, his best recording as an organist appeared, Wiggin' Out, known for the quality of its music and fresh, clear sound. He recorded another LP at the organ with saxophonist Teddy Edwards. "In the 1960s he worked as a music director and vocal coach in film studios," including "a lengthy stint as vocal coach for Marilyn Monroe."
Wiggins was known for his trio with Andy Simpkins and Paul Humphrey, among others. He also appeared in an episode of 227, and an episode of Moesha, in both cases he played a pianist. "He appeared regularly at American jazz parties and festivals and occasionally at Japanese and European festivals and was in demand for recording sessions." Late in his career, Wiggins recorded for Concord Records which according to The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz "demonstrate his firm touch, all-round musicianship, and sense of swing."
Wiggins died in Los Angeles on July 13, 2008, aged 86.
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