Leonard Ware
American jazz guitarist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Leonard Ware (December 28, 1909 – March 30, 1974)[1] was one of the first American jazz guitarists to play electric guitar.
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Leonard Ware | |
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Leonard Ware (right) with Billy Taylor and Zutty Singleton in New York City, mid-1940s Photograph by William P. Gottlieb | |
| Background information | |
| Born | December 28, 1909 Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | March 30, 1974 (aged 64) |
| Genres | Jazz, blues |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Guitar |
| Years active | 1930s–1940s |
Career
Ware was born in Richmond, Virginia. He went to college at the Tuskegee Institute and learned how to play the oboe.[2]
In 1938, Ware played electric guitar on recordings by Sidney Bechet.[2][3] The duo he then started with Jimmy Shirley was one of the first groups to have two electric guitarists. Ware performed in a trio during the 1940s and recorded as a leader in 1947. He also recorded with Don Byas, Albennie Jones, Buddy Johnson, and Big Joe Turner.[2]
In December 1938, he played at Carnegie Hall with the Kansas City Six (Lester Young and Buck Clayton); in 1939 he recorded with Benny Goodman ("Umbrella Man").
Ware was the co-composer of "Hold Tight" (which he recorded with Bechet) and "I Dreamt I Dwelt in Harlem" (with Jerry Gray and Buddy Feyne), which was recorded by Glenn Miller and The Delta Rhythm Boys in 1941. A few years later, he dropped out of music.[2] He died in 1974.[1]
Discography
- 1937–1938, Sidney Bechet (Classics)[3]