Whether performing around the world, mentoring young musicians or playing bass for famous artists, Douglas Carroll Grigsby III left an indelible mark on the musical world.
The internationally renowned bassist and humble, God-loving man passed away on February 17, 2021, at the age of 57.
Born in Queens, New York, on March 16th, 1963, Doug spent most of his life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Los Angeles, California.
Doug was perhaps best known as the bass player, musical director, co-writer, and producer for world-famous vocalist Teena Marie. As a teenager, he held her album in his hands and prayed that he would one day work with her. God granted that prayer.
The two were kindred spirits and worked together for over 15 years. Doug’s proudest accomplishment during their time together was her album “Passion Play” and one of her last hit singles, “Ooh Wee.”
In addition to his work with Teena Marie he appeared on countless tracks and collaborated with some of the world’s most notable artists including Phyllis Hyman, Teddy Pendergrass, Rick James, Stephanie Mills, Patti LaBelle, Paula Abdul, Kylie Minogue, and many, many more.
Doug’s kind, encouraging nature and incredible talent inspired an untold number of musicians, fans, colleagues, and creative brethren all over the world. His skillset was so exceptional, he could play bass with one hand and eat a sandwich with the other — all while never missing a note.
Doug lived to play and embraced all aspects of the experience, from writing to producing to performing to mentoring. He was known for sharing freely of his talents, generously offering his time and attention.
But despite his impressive musical pedigree and profound impact in the industry, Doug remained eternally humble, always giving credit to God for his successes. He had no ego, no attitude, only an open-heart and a pure spirit.
Described as a big teddy bear with contagious laughter and a silly, easygoing nature, one of Doug’s only pet peeves was a distaste for loose cables. All cabling had to be rolled and stored properly — or he was sure to unroll it and start from scratch.
Doug’s wife Carolyn, or Ce Ce for short, was his best friend. Though they had a short time together, their life was like a perpetual honeymoon. The two complimented one another, and Doug always prioritized his wife’s needs. “He was my baby, my best friend, my team mate,” says Carolyn. “A gift from above.”
Among his closest friends were Ricardo Martino, Anthony Curry, Daryl Burgee, James “Biscuit” Rouse, Dave Stark, Stan “Respeck” Davis, Ashley Scott, David Rowan, Michael Eli, Fred Brown, Tesa Williams, Laurence Raichelson and so many more — too many to mention.
He was also close to his pastors, Pastor Robert L. Corsey of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Norristown, Pennsylvania, and Pastor Garry Zeigler of Spirit Food Christian Center in Los Angeles, California.
Doug is survived by his wife Carolyn; his daughter Julie Colbert and son Abdullah Talib-din; his stepchildren George Rogers, Steven Rogers, Allison Schultze, and Danielle Schultze; his father, Douglas Giraudy and his wife Willie Mae Giraudy; his mother-in-law Carol Slay; his grandchildren Cherodah Colbert, Janiah Mitchell, Private 2nd Class Sincere Mitchell, Johnathan Pride, Zaheed Talib-Din, Jameel Clark, Jamuti Watson, Zakia Talib-Din, Ab’Neria Talib-Din, Dayonis M. Talib-Din, and Yasmin Talib-Din; great grandson Na’Sah Chester; uncle Samuel Grigsby; aunt Lottie Dawson; sister Sabrina Grigsby; sister-in-law Freda Khan; niece JoVan Whetts; nephew Brandon Chastang; cousin Sarina Conner and many more beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Doug was predeceased by his mother Betty Gene Patterson, his brother Antonio “Tok” Grigsby and wife Joan Grigsby, and his brother Desmond C. Warren.
A legend, both musically and in the lives of all those who knew and loved him, Doug’s memory will live on forever in a legacy of kindness, creativity, and faith. In his words: “Please be kind to each other.”
