Photo credit: Alvin and Calvin Waters, photo courtesy of Carolyn Grigsby
(Philadelphia PA) On February 17, 2021, soul music lost a treasured gem in bassist and producer Douglas Grigsby.
Born in Philadelphia, Doug began playing with Patti Labelle at the age of 13 -- you can hear him featured on her Live In Washington DC album. He went on to produce songs for saxophonist George Howard, “Saxtress” Pamela Williams, and soul singer Regina Belle. Perhaps most notably Grigsby both produced Teena Marie and served as her music director for more than 20 years. His most treasured work with Teena is her album Passion Play and one of her last hit singles, “Ooh Wee.” He is also the featured rapper on the Phyllis Hyman classic “Don’t Want To Change the World.” Douglas
(Philadelphia PA) On February 17, 2021, soul music lost a treasured gem in bassist and producer Douglas Grigsby.
Born in Philadelphia, Doug began playing with Patti Labelle at the age of 13 -- you can hear him featured on her Live In Washington DC album. He went on to produce songs for saxophonist George Howard, “Saxtress” Pamela Williams, and soul singer Regina Belle. Perhaps most notably Grigsby both produced Teena Marie and served as her music director for more than 20 years. His most treasured work with Teena is her album Passion Play and one of her last hit singles, “Ooh Wee.” He is also the featured rapper on the Phyllis Hyman classic “Don’t Want To Change the World.” Douglas
Doug had done countless studio recordings for Michael Jackson, Rick James, Stephanie Mills, and Ann Nesby, as well as the many productions by Producer Nick Martinelli throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. His musical legacy is rich in soul music history. While he is missed by countless musicians in the earthly realm we know that he is having fun in heaven being reunited with Rick, Phyllis, and his musical partner Teena.
By Ashley Scott