George Barnes (musician)

George Barnes
George Barnes
Background information
Birth name	George Warren Barnes
Born	July 17, 1921; South Chicago Heights, Illinois, U.S.
Died	September 5, 1977 (aged 56); Concord, California
Genres	Jazz; blues; swing; pop; rock; R&B;
Occupation(s)	Musician; arranger; composer; producer; author; music educator;
Instrument(s)	Guitar
Years active	1931–1977
Labels	Okeh; Keynote Records; Decca; Grand Award; Colortone; ABC-Paramount Records; Pleasure Records; Mercury; Music Minus One; United Artists Records; Carney Records; Columbia Records; A&R Records; Famous Door Records; Chiaroscuro Records; Improv Records; RCA Records; Concord Jazz;
Website	georgebarneslegacy.com

George Warren Barnes (July 17, 1921^[1]– September 5, 1977) was an American swing jazz guitarist.^[2] He was also a conductor, composer, arranger, producer, author, and educator. He was hired by the NBC Orchestra at the age of 17, making him the youngest musician on staff.^[3] At 17, he was considered to be a great player by many musicians, including Tommy Dorsey, and Jimmy McPartland.^[4] Barnes was also proficient as a recording engineer.^[5] During his career, Barnes recorded with singers Mel Tormé, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Patti Page, Dinah Washington, Lena Horne, Billy Eckstine and Johnny Mathis among many others.^[5] He was an inspiration to, and influenced guitarists Chet Atkins, Roy Clark, Herb Ellis and Merle Travis, among many others.^[6]

^ Ross, Sam "Form B: Interview With George Barnes. 10 May 1939". Jazz Music Chicago. Chicago, Illinois. Library of Congress. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
^ Wilson, John S. (1977). "George Barnes, 56; Jazz Guitarist Won Acclaim for Style". The New York Times.
^ "George Barnes – the first electric guitarist. George Barnes the best guitarist you (thought) you never heard". One Man's Guitar. Retrieved 5 July 2022.
^ Cite error: The named reference Interview19391 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^ ^a ^b Yelin, Bob. "George Barnes Interview". Guitar Player, February 1975. Retrieved 6 July 2022.
^ Cite error: The named reference Herb was invoked but never defined (see the help page).