Norman Simmons (musician)


Norman Simmons is an American arranger, composer, educator, and most prominently a pianist who has worked extensively with Helen Humes, Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, Anita O'Day, and Joe Williams among others.

Biography

Simmons was born in Chicago on October 6, 1929.
In 1966 his arrangement for Ramsey Lewis' hit of "Wade in the Water" became a large commercial success. He was a member of the Ellington Legacy Band beginning in 2002.

Discography

As leader

With Roy Eldridge
With Johnny Griffin
With Red Holloway
With Etta Jones
With Carmen McRae
With Betty Carter
  • Betty Carter
  • Round Midnight
  • Finally
With Harold Ousley
  • The People's Groove
  • Sweet Double Hipness
With Anita O'Day
  • Anita O'Day with John Poole Trio Featuring Norman Simmons - Live at Mingo's
With Scott Hamilton and Warren Vaché
  • Skyscrapers
With Clifford Jordan, Von Freeman, Cy Touff, Victor Sproles, and Wilbur Campbell
With Dakota Staton
  • Ms. Soul
With Joe Williams
With Al Grey and Bjarne Nerem
With Johnny Griffin
With Teri Thornton