Biography
Guitar virtuoso Danny Gatton earned recognition for his exceptionally broad stylistic range on the instrument. Rooted in rockabilly, his command extended equally across R&B, pop, country, rock, and jazz. He first picked up the guitar at age nine and joined his initial group, the Lancers, three years afterward. In 1960 he shifted toward jazz by entering the Offbeats, where pianist and organist Dick Heintze emerged as one of his most significant influences. The ensemble dissolved four years later, prompting Gatton to relocate to Nashville in search of session opportunities; there he encountered Roy Buchanan, who briefly shared living quarters with him and imparted further insight into the instrument. Over time Gatton established himself as a premier guitarist throughout his native Washington, D.C., region via consistent club appearances. With his supporting ensemble the Fat Boys he issued the 1975 album American Music, then followed it in 1978 with Redneck Jazz. That record featured steel guitarist Buddy Emmons, drummer Dave Elliott, and two musicians who would become enduring associates: Evan Johns on vocals and rhythm guitar, plus John Previti on bass.
Those releases attracted invitations from fellow musicians seeking his participation. Lowell George extended one after departing Little Feat, only to be discovered deceased two days later. Gatton subsequently toured with country singer Roger Miller and rockabilly artist Robert Gordon, which brought national visibility and cultivated a devoted following among guitar enthusiasts who circulated concert bootlegs. He returned to Washington, D.C., to remain close to friends and family, performing along the East Coast with various groups and handling session dates. In 1988, after acquiring an aging farmhouse that required costly repairs, Gatton resolved to advance his recording career more deliberately. The following year he released his first solo album since 1978, Unfinished Business, which attracted attention in several guitar-focused publications as well as Rolling Stone. Elektra Records signed him that summer, and his major-label debut arrived in 1991 with the widely ranging instrumental set 88 Elmira St. The year 1992 brought his initial straight-ahead jazz outing, New York Stories, recorded for Blue Note. Gatton undertook his first national solo tour in 1993 in support of Cruisin' Deuces, yet modest sales for that release, together with the exit of A&R executive Howard Thompson from Elektra, concluded his tenure with the label. He resumed session work to meet expenses, then suffered another setback when rhythm guitarist Billy Windsor succumbed to a heart attack early in 1994. That May Gatton partnered with organ virtuoso Joey DeFrancesco on Relentless and spent the summer touring Europe. On October 4, 1994, Gatton locked himself inside his garage and shot himself, leaving no explanation.
Those releases attracted invitations from fellow musicians seeking his participation. Lowell George extended one after departing Little Feat, only to be discovered deceased two days later. Gatton subsequently toured with country singer Roger Miller and rockabilly artist Robert Gordon, which brought national visibility and cultivated a devoted following among guitar enthusiasts who circulated concert bootlegs. He returned to Washington, D.C., to remain close to friends and family, performing along the East Coast with various groups and handling session dates. In 1988, after acquiring an aging farmhouse that required costly repairs, Gatton resolved to advance his recording career more deliberately. The following year he released his first solo album since 1978, Unfinished Business, which attracted attention in several guitar-focused publications as well as Rolling Stone. Elektra Records signed him that summer, and his major-label debut arrived in 1991 with the widely ranging instrumental set 88 Elmira St. The year 1992 brought his initial straight-ahead jazz outing, New York Stories, recorded for Blue Note. Gatton undertook his first national solo tour in 1993 in support of Cruisin' Deuces, yet modest sales for that release, together with the exit of A&R executive Howard Thompson from Elektra, concluded his tenure with the label. He resumed session work to meet expenses, then suffered another setback when rhythm guitarist Billy Windsor succumbed to a heart attack early in 1994. That May Gatton partnered with organ virtuoso Joey DeFrancesco on Relentless and spent the summer touring Europe. On October 4, 1994, Gatton locked himself inside his garage and shot himself, leaving no explanation.
Albums
