Jimmy Raney, 67; Influential Jazz Guitarist

Jimmy Raney, a musician whose playing style made him a celebrated influence on jazz guitar while the challenges he presented on that instrument redefined its possibilities for many of his fellow players, has died of a heart seizure. He was 67.

Raney had suffered a stroke in December, 1993. He died Tuesday in a nursing home in Louisville, Ky., the city of his birth.

Inspired by techniques initially explored by guitarist Charlie Christian, Raney is considered the first to have brought the be-bop style of jazz to the guitar. His work was noteworthy for complex, drawn-out passages mixed with melodies and difficult riffs.

Raney studied with Hayden Causey, who recommended Raney to replace him in the Jerry Wald band in 1944.

Raney next played with Max Miller and Lou Levy, toured with Woody Herman in 1944 and then worked off and on with Artie Shaw and Buddy DeFranco.

In 1950 he joined saxophonist Stan Getz in Getz’s quintet. That association over the next few years produced a series of highly acclaimed recordings on the Verve and Roost labels. Those records were considered the highlight of Raney’s career. He also recorded with Red Norvo and Bob Brookmeyer.

More recently he was heard with his son, Doug, also a guitarist.