John Talib Griggs

John Griggs was born on October 29, 1939 in Newark, NJ to   Magnolia and Robert Griggs.  He attended the Newark Public School system.  At a very young age John developed a strong love for music of various types.

John accepted Al-Islam as his religion in early 1960.  Later, John developed a name for himself and began playing at night clubs in Newark and New York  He was called the ‘Master of Percussions’. One night at the Apollo Theater  some musician mentioned John to James Brown.  James Brown told him, “I like the way you play. Go home and get your  Congo drums”.  He told the band we ourselves a Congo player.  He toured with James Brown all over the world for 26 years.  His favorite place was in Africa.  John has numerous stories about his travels and people he met.  John said his faith in Allah made him the person he was in life.

John leaves behind, one son; John Griggs Jr., of Piscataway, NJ., from  his marriage to the late Irene Joyner Griggs, his grandchildren; John Dominique and Malcolm Xavier of Piscataway, NJ; his great grandchildren; Ja’hara Griggs, Laila Griggs, Ariya Griggs and Makai Griggs of Piscataway, NJ; his brother Sheppard Shakir Benyard of Newark, NJ, two nieces, Zakia Benyard and Tahirah Benyard of West Orange, NJ and Atlanta, GA respectively, along with a host of relatives and world friends.

The Family of John Talib Griggs would like to express our sincerest gratitude for all acts of kindness during our bereavement . May God bless each of you.