Ray Crawford (musician)

Ray Crawford
Born(1924-02-07)February 7, 1924
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedDecember 30, 1997(1997-12-30) (aged 73)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Musician, composer
Instrument(s)Guitar, Saxophone
Years active1940s–1990s
Formerly ofAhmad Jamal, Gil Evans

Ray Crawford (February 7, 1924 – December 30, 1997) was an American jazz guitarist who originally played tenor saxophone, until tuberculosis prevented him continuing with the instrument. He made notable contributions to albums by Ahmad Jamal, Gil Evans, and Sonny Criss, and pioneered a technique of rhythmic bongo-style guitar accompaniment. Favourite amongst his recorded solos were those on "La Nevada" on Gil Evans's Out of the Cool album.