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Perhaps the most commercially successful organist of the 1960s, Grant plied a more consistently easy-listening path than his label-mates Lenny Dee and Ethel Smith. He studied keyboards at the Kansas City Conservatory, the University of Southern California, and DePaul University. Drafted into the Army during the Korean War, he completed graduate studies at USC after his discharge. Decca Records offered him a contract after spotting him performing at a club in Los Angeles.
His best-selling album featured his rendition of Robert Maxwell's standard, "Ebb Tide", and was reported to have sold over 500,000 copies. He sang as well as played, and most of his later recordings included 2-3 vocal numbers. His voice had a husky, dry tone similar to Nat King Cole's, and rumors persisted throughout his career that he was Cole's brother. He also appeared in several films, including Imitation of Life and Tender is the Night. He died of injuries from an automobile accident on his way back from a performance in Juarez, Mexico.
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Discography:
Discography:
# The Versatile Earl Grant, Decca DL 9201
# The End, Decca DL 78830
# Grant Takes Rhythm, Decca DL 78905
# Nothin' But The Blues, Decca DL 78916
# Paris Is My Beat, Decca DL 78935
# The Magic Of Earl Grant, Decca DL 74044
# Ebb Tide, Decca DL 74165
# Earl After Dark, Decca DL 74188
# Midnight Earl, Decca DL 79201 (Mood Jazz in Hi-Fi series)
# Beyond The Reef, Decca DL 74231
# Earl Grant At Basin Street East, Decca DL 74299
# Midnight Sun, Decca DL 74338
# Yes Sirree!, Decca DL 74405
# Fly Me To The Moon, Decca DL 74454
# Just For A Thrill, Decca DL 74506
# Just One More Time, Decca DL 74576
# Trade Winds, Decca DL 75623
# Spotlight On Earl Grant, Decca DL 74624
# Winter Wonderland, Decca DL 74677
# Earl Grant Sings And Plays Songs Made Famous By Nat Cole, Decca DL 74729
# Stand By Me, Decca DL 74738
# Bali Ha'i, Decca DL 74806
# The Best Of Earl Grant, MCA 2-4059 two record set
# A Closer Walk With Thee, Decca DL 74811
# Earl Grant's Greatest Hits, Decca DL 74813
# It's So Good, Vocalion VL 3793
# Gently Swingin', Decca DL 74937
# Spanish Eyes, Decca DL 74974
# Earl Grant In Motion, Decca DL 75052
# The Best Of Earl Grant Vol. 2, MCA 2-4096 two record set
# Send For Me, Vocalion VL 73860
# One For My Baby, Vocalion VL 73893
# Double Star Series featuring Earl Grant & Lenny Dee, MCA Special Products 734702
# Earl Grant's Golden Favorites, Decca DL 75107
# This Magic Moment, Decca DL 75108
# A Time For Us, Decca DL 75158
# Earl Grant: A Brand New Me, Decca DL 75223
# The End, Universal Music, International
# The Best Of Earl Grant/Singin' and Swingin', MCA Decca MCAD-11838
# Organ Fever
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