January 11, 1952

Guitarist Lee Mack Ritenour was born January 11, 1952 in Los Angeles, California. 

As a teenager, he studied with legendary guitarist Joe Pass.

At age 16 Ritenour played his first session, with the Mamas and the Papas. 

By the 1970’s, he was in high demand as a session guitarist.

Ritenour still records and tours regularly, and released a new album this year.

Lee Ritenour performs at the Java Jazz Festival in 2006.

By the time he was eighteen guitarist Lee Ritenour was accompanying Lena Horne and Tony Bennett.

Since the early ’70s he has taken part in a an astounding number of sessions with a dazzling array of artists from separate genres. 

As a young guitarist Lee Ritenour modeled his playing after Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass and Barney Kessel, but eventually developed a style of his own. 

Lee’s music displays a diverse range of influences from rock & roll to Brazilian.

He is now one of the world’s leading guitarists. 

Among his many releases “Is It You” has become a contemporary jazz favorite.

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