McGriff’s death on Saturday from multiple sclerosis was confirmed to The Associated Press on Monday by his wife, Margaret McGriff.

According to his Web site, James Harrel McGriff was born in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood. His parents were both pianists, but McGriff started out on bass and saxophone and later played drums, vibes, and piano.

He served as a military policeman during the Korean War and spent 2 1/2 years as a Philadelphia policeman, moonlighting as a bass player, according to the site. He was offered a recording contract after a scout heard him play “I Got A Woman” at a small club in Trenton, N.J.

That song on Sue Records became one of McGriff’s greatest hits, and he also recorded for Solid State, United Artists, Blue Note, Groove Merchant, Milestone, Headfirst and Telarc.

A viewing is planned Monday, June 2, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home in Marlton, N.J., near the Philadelphia suburb of Voorhees where he lived in his later years, Margaret McGriff said. Another viewing is planned Tuesday, June 3, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Harold O. Davis Memorial Baptist Church, 4500 N. 10th St., Philadelphia, with the funeral service to follow.