Erroll Grandy

Erroll “Groundhog” Grandy (b. Norfolk, Virginia, January 2, 1921 – d. Indianapolis, June 12, 1991) – Organist. Although only known locally, partially blind Grandy was considered the “Godfather of Jazz” in Indianapolis. As a testament to his importance, Wes Montgomery, Freddie Hubbard, J.J. Johnson, and Slide Hampton were his protégés. After moving to Indy in 1936, Grandy graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1940 and attended the Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music at Butler, which he paid for from making fifteen dollars a night at the Boulevard Kitchen (21^st and Boulevard Place). Throughout the early 1950s, Grandy led his own group, which performed on Indiana Avenue. He also played with Jimmy Coe’s band and the Count Fisher Trio in the 1950s. Over the years, he had the opportunity to accompany Dinah Washington, Billie Holliday, and Lionel Hampton. In the 1970s, he was a member of Three Way Street, which featured vocalist Jimmy Guilford. On May 6, 1984, the city of Indianapolis recognized Errol Grandy Day, which included a marathon benefit concert.