Lee Ritenour

Date of Birth: January 11, 1952

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Biography

Lee Ritenour, born Lee Mack Ritenour, is an American jazz guitarist, session musician, and composer. He was born on January 11, 1952, in Los Angeles, California. Ritenour started playing guitar at the age of eight and was influenced by the sounds of Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, and Barney Kessel. By the age of 16, he was already a sought-after session musician in the Los Angeles area. In the early 1970s, Ritenour joined the band Friendship, which included future jazz stars such as Patrice Rushen and Harvey Mason. His career took a significant turn when he became a member of the fusion group The Crusaders in 1975. This led to his debut solo album, “First Course,” in 1976. Over the years, he has released more than 40 albums, blending various styles such as jazz, rock, funk, and Brazilian music. Ritenour’s contributions to the music industry have been recognized with numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for his collaborative album “Harlequin” with Dave Grusin. He is also known for his work with Fourplay, a contemporary jazz quartet that achieved significant commercial success.

5 Interesting Facts about Lee Ritenour

1. Lee Ritenour was nicknamed “Captain Fingers” because of his incredible guitar playing technique.

2. He has played on over 3,000 sessions as a session musician, including for artists like Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, and Barbra Streisand.

3. Ritenour won a Grammy Award in 1986 for Best Arrangement on an Instrumental, “Early A.M. Attitude,” from his album “Harlequin.”

4. He is a founding member of the supergroup Fourplay, which has released multiple chart-topping albums.

5. Ritenour is also an avid fisherman and often enjoys fishing trips when he is not touring or recording music.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lee Ritenour

1. “A lot of what I do, whether it’s the jazz, the Brazilian music, or the pop stuff, it all started with the guitar.”

2. “Music has always been a part of my life. It’s like breathing; I can’t imagine life without it.”

3. “The guitar is such a versatile instrument, and that’s what drew me to it. You can explore so many different sounds and styles.”

4. “Collaboration has always been key in my career. Working with other musicians brings out the best in me.”

5. “In the studio, it’s all about capturing the moment. Live performance is about creating the moment.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Lee Ritenour is estimated to be around $14 million.

Children

Lee Ritenour has one son, Wesley Ritenour, who is also a musician and drummer. Wesley has followed in his father’s footsteps and has participated in various musical projects, including collaborations with his father.