Della Griffin

Della Griffin (June 12, 1922 – August 9, 2022), also known as Della Simpson, was an American jazz vocalist and drummer. She was a member of two of the first all female R&B groups in the 1950s, The Enchanters and The Dell-Tones.

Biography

Early life and career Griffin was born in Newberry, South Carolina, on June 12, 1922, to William and Mary Gilliam. The nineteenth out of twenty children, she later moved to New York City, where she grew up.

Griffin greatly admired and was influenced by Count Basie, Charlie Barnet, and most specifically Billie Holiday. She began singing when she was 12, and while singing remained her passion she was also proficient on the drums, alto saxophone, and piano. The Enchanters began touring the country and received such a positive response that in 1952 Shaws Artist Corporation signed on to represent them. Also in 1952, Jubilee released the Enchanters second record. Not long after this Rachel Gist and Pearl Brice decided to leave the group.

In 2005, Ronnie I of the UGHA (United Group Harmony Association) brought Griffin back to the stage once again. Della Griffin and The Enchanters performed as the headline act at one of the UGHA's monthly shows. Also appearing at that show were The Dubs and The GoldTones. Della seemed to be struggling through her performance, having a difficult time remembering the songs and the lyrics, and often appearing disoriented and confused. Nevertheless, she did make it through the show and received a strong response from the audience.

Griffin lived in New Rochelle, New York, where her foster children would visit her daily.

Discography Sings (Dobre, 1978) I'll Get By (Muse, 1990) Travelin' Light (Muse, 1992) The Very Thought of You (Savant, 1998)

With Etta Jones Sugar (Muse, 1989)

With Houston Person Christmas with Houston Person and Friends (Muse, 1994)