A physically small man with a big horn, Johnny Griffin arrived in New York City from Chicago in the 1940s, playing his tenor fast, loud, and with great exuberance in the blues-bop realm. He rightfully earned his nickname, "The Little Giant." His beautifully primal runs were featured in classic blowing sessions with John Coltrane and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. It was not until much later in his career that the tender balladeer within was revealed. Playing passionately right up to his 80th birthday, the saxophonist finally drifted into the night in Paris in 2008.