Chuck Rainey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chuck Rainey
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Rainey at Detroit Bass Festival in 2013.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Charles Walter Rainey III |
| Born | June 17, 1940 Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Bass guitar |
| Associated acts | |
Charles Walter Rainey III (born June 17, 1940) is an American bass guitarist. He has played and recorded with many famous musicians. These include Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, and Quincy Jones. Chuck Rainey is known for playing bass on over 1,000 albums. This makes him one of the most recorded bass players ever!
Contents
Early Life
Chuck Rainey was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 17, 1940. He grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. His parents both played the piano for fun. As a child, he learned to play the piano, violin, and trumpet. In college, he studied brass instruments. He went to Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. Rainey started playing the bass guitar when he was in the military.
Music Career
After leaving the military, Rainey joined a local band. His first big professional job was playing with Big Jay McNeely. Then, he toured Canada and New York with Sil Austin. In 1962, Rainey joined King Curtis and his All-Star band. In 1965, they even opened for The Beatles during their US tour! He joined Quincy Jones's big band in 1972. By the 1970s, he had played with many artists. These included Jerome Richardson, Grady Tate, Mose Allison, and Gato Barbieri. He also played on five albums for the band Steely Dan.
Most of Chuck Rainey's work was as a "session player." This means he played music for other artists' recordings. But he also recorded his own albums. His first solo album was The Chuck Rainey Coalition in 1969. Other solo albums include Born Again (1982), Hangin' Out Right (1999), Sing & Dance (2001), and Interpretations of a Groove (2012).
Rainey also wrote five books called Complete Electric Bass Player. These books teach people how to play the bass guitar. He also made instructional videos. He helped create the first bass guitar courses at the Musicians Institute. He also wrote articles for Bass Player magazine.
In 2011, Chuck Rainey faced a health challenge. He worked hard for four years with physical therapy and meditation. He also practiced Hatha yoga. Thanks to his determination, he made a full recovery.
In 2014, Rainey and drummer John Anthony Martinez started a group called Rhythm Intensive. They offer workshops and classes for young musicians. Rainey and Martinez also wrote a book together called The Tune of Success: Unmask Your Genius.
In 2020, Chuck Rainey shared that he had retired from playing bass. He now focuses on writing his life story. He also continues his work with Rhythm Intensive.
Some companies, like Alvarez Guitars and Ken Smith Basses, make special bass guitars. These are called "Rainey signature" guitars.
On May 7, 2022, Chuck Rainey received a special honor. He was given an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music. This was a recognition of his amazing career in music.
Images for kids
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Rainey at Detroit Bass Festival in 2013.
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Rainey (right) and Ronnie Cuber at the Porretta Soul Festival 2005
See also
In Spanish: Chuck Rainey para niños
