Harvi Griffin

Singer and harpist from Detroit, Michigan. Harvi Alonzo Griffin was born December 14, 1936 and died August 9, 2005 (age 68). Early in his career Harvi was principle harpist with the Detroit Symphony, National Symphony and the U.S. Army Band. Harvi appeared at the White House twenty-five times, for presidents, princes, industrial leaders and other internationally powerful people. Harvi also spent many years as a solo artist with over 1,000 performances touring the U.S., Asia, and Europe as well as teaching masters classes. His students are harpists with major symphonies all over the world. Harvi was a native of Detroit, MI and a graduate of Cass Technical High School, he then studied at Michigan State University where he received his B.A. and first Masters Degree. He next studied with Lucile Lawrence, Mannes College of Music in New York City where he received his second Masters Degree, and then with Eileen Malone, Eastman School of Music. Harvi was known for his dedication to his music and for his skill at performing every type of music from Classical to Country and Western on the harp. In the late 1980s he relocated to Phoenix, Arizona.