Leonard Ware (December 28, 1909 – March 30, 1974)[1] was one of the first American jazz guitarists to play electric guitar.
Leonard Ware | |
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Background information | |
Born | Richmond, Virginia, U.S. | December 28, 1909
Died | March 30, 1974 | (aged 64)
Genres | Jazz, blues |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instrument(s) | Guitar |
Years active | 1930s–1940s |
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, Albinia 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]