Eddie Higgins
February 21, 1932 – August 31, 2009
Eddie Higgins was a respected jazz pianist who came to prominence while entertaining crowds in jazz clubs throughout Chicago during the ’50s and ’60s. It has been said that many headlining acts did not want to take the stage after Higgins brilliantly warmed up the crowd. Although known primarily as a soloist, Higgins has played with such jazz giants as Coleman Hawkins and Freddie Hubbard. Eddie Higgins died of lung and lymphatic cancer at the age of 77.
Thanks to Gary Case for the assist.
What You Should Own
I, for one am so sorry to see the passing of Eddie Higgins. I have fond memories of his trio playing at the London House in Chicago. I spent many nights and hours in conversation not only with Eddie but was friends with his sidemen as well. Two of the best people that I have had the honor to be acquainted with in my entire life, Richard Evans and Marshall Thompson. Richard on Bass and Marshall on drums. Richard was a producer for chess records and Marshall filled his time teaching the rudiments of drumming at Franks Drum Shop on south Wabash. Marshall’s wife Ermagene was also a noted piano player and worked many clubs throughout Chicago.
I was there the night Maurice White replaced Ramsey Lewis’s drummer. Maurice was working as a studio drummer at Chess Records and Richard brought him in for Ramsey at his request. For Maurice it was the start of a fantastic career in music.