One of the most well-known jazz musicians to ever call Portland his home was Leroy Vinnegar - master of the walking bass line. Vinnegar recorded over 600 albums during his career, ranging from “My Fair Lady” with Andre Previn and Shelly Mann, to “Saint Dominic’s Preview” with Van Morrison.

Vinnegar moved to Portland in 1986 where he lived until his death in August of 1999. July 13th, 2007 would have been his 79th birthday.

While in Portland, he played regular gigs all around town, including twelve years of work with pianist Jof Lee. Jof has created a tribute page that has some great quotes from Vinnegar.

Another great page about Vinnegar is the Portland State University Leroy Vinnegar Jazz Institute. At the Institute’s page, you can find an extensive biography of Vinnegar, as well as information on the PSU-hosted Leroy Vinnegar Jazz Week in May.

Vinnegar’s legacy lives on in many ways - from the players that shared the stage with him to the stage named after him (LV’s Uptown). His presence is etched in Portland’s jazz history.

See and hear Vinnegar below.

Leroy Vinnegar with Les McCann and Ron Jefferson in 1960 playing Vakushna” via YouTube



Leroy Vinnegar speaking on NPR’s Whad’ya Know (via Jof Lee’s site)