Biography of George Barnes

One of the first to plug in, Barnes actually recorded on electric guitar before Charlie Christian, as a sideman to blues singers. His unmistakably bright sound and attack, clarinet-like lines, and masterful nuances revealed the instrument's potential to a generation of '40s guitarists who heard him on the radio. It was Barnes, as much as anyone, who demonstrated that the guitar could achieve equal footing with the horns as a melodic instrument. He made the instrument sing as few jazz guitarists have done. In 1963, after having spent many years as a studio musician, Barnes teamed with guitarist Carl Kress for a series of excellent recordings. In the '70s, he played duets with guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, before forming a quartet with cornetist Ruby Braff. ~ Richard Lieberson