Gigi Gryce, born George General Grice Jr. on November 28, 1925, in Pensacola, Florida, was a prominent American jazz saxophonist, flautist, clarinetist, composer, arranger, and educator. He spent much of his early life in Hartford, Connecticut, where his family's emphasis on music, discipline, and manners shaped his upbringing. Despite financial hardships during the Great Depression, Gryce's mother encouraged her children to pursue music, leading to weekly recitals at their home.

Gryce began learning the clarinet at a young age and showed early promise, winning school and state competitions. He studied music theory and was influenced by jazz greats like Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk, which informed his work during the classic hard bop era from 1953 to 1965. Despite a relatively short performing career, Gryce's compositions, such as "Minority," "Social Call," and "Nica's Tempo," became minor jazz standards. His harmonic style was akin to contemporaries Benny Golson, Tadd Dameron, and Horace Silver.

In the 1960s, Gryce changed his name to Basheer Qusim and withdrew from the jazz scene, a decision that, along with his private nature, has led to limited recognition today. He passed away on March 17, 1983, in Pensacola, Florida.