Leroy Vinnegar (July 13, 1928 – August 3, 1999) was an American jazz bassist, known for his mastery of walking bass.

Born in Indianapolis, the self-taught Vinnegar established his reputation in Los Angeles during the 1950s and '60s. His trademark was the rhythmic "walking" bass line, a steady series of ascending or descending notes, and it brought him the nickname "The Walker". Besides his jazz work, he also appeared on a number of soundtracks and pop albums, notably Van Morrison's 1972 album, Saint Dominic's Preview.

He recorded extensively as both a leader and sideman. He came to public attention in the 1950s as a result of recording with André Previn, Stan Getz, Shorty Rogers, Chet Baker, Shelly Manne, and Serge Chaloff. He played bass on Previn and Manne's My Fair Lady album, one of the most successful jazz records ever produced. He also performed on another of jazz's biggest hit albums, Eddie Harris and Les McCann's Swiss Movement, released in 1969.

He moved to Portland, Oregon. in 1986. In 1995, the Oregon State Legislature honored him by proclaiming May 1 Leroy Vinnegar Day.

Leroy Vinnegar died from a heart attack, at the age of 71, on August 3, 1999, in a hospital in Portland.

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Select discography

As a leader:

• Leroy Walks! (1957; Original Jazz Classics)
• Leroy Walks Again! (1962; Fantasy Records)
• Walkin' the Bases (1992; Contemporary Records)

As a sideman:

• My Fair Lady by Shelly Manne & His Friends (1956; Contemporary Records)
• Gerry Mulligan Meets Ben Webster (1959; Verve)
• Saturday Morning by Sonny Criss (1975; Xanadu Records)
• California Hard by Dolo Coker (1977; Xanadu Records)
• Keystones! by Red Garland (1977; Xanadu Records)
• Home Is Where The Soul Is by Kenny Drew (1978; Xanadu Records)
• For Sure! by Kenny Drew (1978; Xanadu Records)

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External links

• Bio

Persondata
NAME	Vinnegar, Leroy
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
SHORT DESCRIPTION	American bassist
DATE OF BIRTH	July 13, 1928
PLACE OF BIRTH	Indianapolis, Minnesota
DATE OF DEATH	August 3, 1999
PLACE OF DEATH	Portland, Oregon

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