Jymie Merritt
Classically trained, Jymie Merritt obtained his first engagements with
saxophonists John Coltrane, Benny Golson and drummer Philly Joe Jones in
Philadelphia in 1949. He went on to accompany Blues and Rhythm and Blues
musicians, in particular guitarist-singer B.B. King in the mid-50s. In 1958, he
was hired by drummer Art Blakey, who led the Jazz Messengers, a band he worked
with for 5 years. Jymmie Merritt is a double bass player who propels the rhythm
section, one of the main reasons for his collaboration with Art Blakey. This
experience brought him a certain notoriety and served...
