Raney, James Elbert

▪ 1996

      ("JIMMY"), U.S. musician (b. Aug. 20, 1927, Louisville, Ky.—d. May 10, 1995, Louisville), was one of the most influential, lyrical jazz guitarists of his generation. As an improviser he was uniquely committed to melody, a devotion emphasized by his muted, lightly amplified electric guitar tone. He played with unusual rhythmic poise and freedom, constructing original solos with contrasting developments, often in long phrases, and a stimulating harmonic imagination. The son of a newspaperman and a guitarist mother, he began playing guitar at age 10, studied with a classical guitar teacher, and was inspired by the jazz recordings of Charlie Christian. During the 1940s Raney played with small groups and big bands, most notably the Woody Herman band; he then joined tenor saxophonist Stan Getz, helping him to achieve (1951-53) a unique quintet sound. His work with Getz, the Red Norvo Trio (1953-54), and pianist Jimmy Lyon's New York supper club trio (1954-60) and his frequent recordings identified Raney with the cool jazz idiom. His concentration on melody, ideal for cool jazz, was less suitable for the more extroverted jazz idioms that dominated the '60s, a decade that he also spent performing in Broadway show bands and as a studio musician. Alcoholism interrupted Raney's career, and he returned to Louisville. By the '80s he was again touring and recording, and he was also performing with his son Doug, a guitarist. Severe recurring deafness gradually diminished Raney's performing career.

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