Leroy Vinnegar

Leroy Vinnegar (b. Indianapolis, July 13, 1928 – d. Portland, August 2, 1999) – bassist. A native of Indianapolis, Vinnegar moved to Los Angeles to play with Art Tatum in the 1950s and made his mark there through performing and recording with Stan Getz, Chet Baker, Sonny Stitt, and Les McCann. Throughout his career, he also played with Charlie Parker and Sonny Rollins. Known for his rhythmic walking bass lines, Vinnegar earned the nickname “The Walker.” A popular session player on the West Coast, Vinnegar provided the bass part for two of the most popular Schoolhouse Rock songs, “Conjunction, Junction” and “I’m Just a Bill.” In 1986, Vinnegar moved to Portland, where he was a central figure in the jazz scene until his death in 1999.