Johnny Griffin, 80, the tenor saxophonist known as the "Little Giant," whose big, rich sound and lightning speed made for a distinct musical signature during an era when bebop was king, died Friday at his home in France. Although often called the "world's fastest saxophonist," Griffin -- who jammed with Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and Art Blakey among others -- did not see speed as key to his playing. "Everybody called me a racehorse, but feeling good is my thing," Griffin said in 1995.
Frank Schweihs, 78, reputedly one of Chicago's most feared mob enforcers, died Wednesday while awaiting trial on charges he took part in a conspiracy that included numerous organized crime murders.
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