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Quick Facts
Born
1952
1952
From
United States of America
United States of America
Journey
Lee Mack Ritenour, popularly known as Lee Ritenour, is an American jazz fusion and smooth jazz guitarist born in Los Angeles, California, in 1952. He began playing guitar at age eight and quickly progressed into professional studio work during his teenage years. By age 16, he recorded with The Mamas & the Papas, and by 17, he had already performed with artists such as Tony Bennett and Lena Horne, establishing himself early as a sought-after session musician.
He launched his solo recording career in the mid-1970s with albums such as "First Course" in 1976 and quickly became a leading figure in the jazz-fusion movement. Over time, he expanded into multiple genres, including Brazilian jazz, pop crossover, and contemporary jazz, collaborating with artists such as George Benson, Dave Grusin, and Marcus Miller.
A defining moment in his career was co-founding the acclaimed jazz supergroup Fourplay in 1991, which became one of the most commercially successful contemporary jazz ensembles. His solo and group work has produced more than 40 albums, extensive touring worldwide, and over a thousand studio session credits with major artists across genres.
Ritenour is also a Grammy Award winner with numerous nominations spanning decades, reflecting his sustained influence in instrumental music. His work has earned recognition for its blend of jazz sophistication, rhythmic diversity, and crossover appeal.