Leonard Ware (December 28, 1909 – March 30, 1974)[1] was one of the first American jazz guitarists to play electric guitar.
Career
Ware was born in Richmond, Virginia. He went to college at the Tuskegee Institute and learned how to play the oboe.[2]
In 1938, Ware played electric guitar on recordings by Sidney Bechet.[2][3] The duo he then started with Jimmy Shirley was one of the first groups to have two electric guitarists. Ware performed in a trio during the 1940s and recorded as a leader in 1947. He also recorded with Don Byas, Albinia Jones, Buddy Johnson, and Big Joe Turner.[2]