Lenny Breau (1941–1984)
Lenny Breau was a Canadian-American guitarist widely regarded as one of the most innovative and technically gifted guitarists of the 20th century. Born August 5, 1941, in Auburn, Maine, he moved with his musical family to Canada as a child and grew up largely in the Maritimes and Winnipeg.
Breau began playing guitar at a young age and was heavily influenced by country guitarist Chet Atkins. As his skills developed, he incorporated jazz, classical, flamenco, country and folk into his playing. His distinctive fingerstyle technique allowed him to play bass lines, chords and melodies simultaneously, sometimes creating the remarkable impression that two guitarists were playing at once.
After establishing himself in Winnipeg’s jazz scene, Breau became a respected session musician and performer. In 1968, legendary guitarist Chet Atkins produced Breau’s first major solo album, Guitar Sounds from Lenny Breau, followed by The Velvet Touch of Lenny Breau – Live! His recordings demonstrated an extraordinary combination of technical brilliance and emotional depth.
Although Breau never achieved major commercial success, he became enormously influential among other guitarists. He was particularly admired for his use of harmonics, complex chord voicings and fingerstyle improvisation. Guitarists including Chet Atkins, George Benson, Pat Metheny and Tommy Emmanuel have recognized his importance and influence.
