Singer. He is recognized as an American mid-20th century singer, known for the popular tunes of the day of "At the End of a Rainbow" and "Ebb Tide." The 1961 album "Ebb Tide" sold over one million copies, giving him a Gold Record. Besides being a singer, he was an accomplished trumpeter, drum player, pianist, and organist. His music fell in the category of either light pop or jazz-schmaltz. After attending four music schools, he became a music teacher. He played in night clubs to supplement his income. In 1957 he signed with Decca Records, with his first single “At the End of the Rainbow" reaching #7 on the Billboard Top 100 chart. He produced another five singles that would make the Billboard Top 100 Chart, including: “Evening Rain,” “House of Bamboo,” “Swingin’ Gently,” “Sweet Sixteen Bars,” and with Ben E. King’s lyrics, “Stand by Me.” He recorded 30 albums for Decca Records. In 1965 he produced a successful and soulful Christmas album, “Winter Wonderland.” In 1959 Grant sang the title theme for the twice nominated Academy Award film "Imitation of Life," along with appearing as himself in several television programs. Born the son of a Baptist minister, he was one of twelve children. He served in the United States Army for four years, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. He and his seventeen-year-old cousin were killed instantly in an automobile accident while traveling through Lordsburg, New Mexico on Interstate 10. Driving a Rolls-Royce, he lost control on a curve at night, leaving the highway. In the 2008 Universal Studios fire, much of his archived material was lost .
Singer. He is recognized as an American mid-20th century singer, known for the popular tunes of the day of "At the End of a Rainbow" and "Ebb Tide." The 1961 album "Ebb Tide" sold over one million copies, giving him a Gold Record. Besides being a singer, he was an accomplished trumpeter, drum player, pianist, and organist. His music fell in the category of either light pop or jazz-schmaltz. After attending four music schools, he became a music teacher. He played in night clubs to supplement his income. In 1957 he signed with Decca Records, with his first single “At the End of the Rainbow" reaching #7 on the Billboard Top 100 chart. He produced another five singles that would make the Billboard Top 100 Chart, including: “Evening Rain,” “House of Bamboo,” “Swingin’ Gently,” “Sweet Sixteen Bars,” and with Ben E. King’s lyrics, “Stand by Me.” He recorded 30 albums for Decca Records. In 1965 he produced a successful and soulful Christmas album, “Winter Wonderland.” In 1959 Grant sang the title theme for the twice nominated Academy Award film "Imitation of Life," along with appearing as himself in several television programs. Born the son of a Baptist minister, he was one of twelve children. He served in the United States Army for four years, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. He and his seventeen-year-old cousin were killed instantly in an automobile accident while traveling through Lordsburg, New Mexico on Interstate 10. Driving a Rolls-Royce, he lost control on a curve at night, leaving the highway. In the 2008 Universal Studios fire, much of his archived material was lost .
Bio by: Linda Davis
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