George barnes biography

American swing jazz guitarist

Musical artist

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]

Biography

Barnes was born in South Chicago Heights, United States.^&