AL TINNEY - BMHOF CLASS OF 1996

Al Tinney was a Legendary jazz piano player, who made a name for himself as a house piano player for decades at New York City jazz clubs. Al has probably played behind more jazz greats than ardent jazz followers can name. 

In the early 1940s, Tinney played at Monroe's Uptown House in New York City, leading a band that included drummer Max Roach and eventually, saxophone legend Charlie Parker. The band was playing a new kind of music that would later be known as bebop, and hearing it had an effect on Mr. Parker. 

In the 1950's Mr. Tinney was a member of the  group The Jive Bombers and, in 1957, recorded the novelty hit, "Bad Boy," on Savoy Records.

It became a hit, topping out at #7 on the R&B charts and #36 on the pop charts. In the year 2000 he recorded  a CD with Peggy Farrell "Al and Peg," that also included bassist Sabu Adeyola and drummer Louis Marino. 

Originally from Ansonia, Conn., Mr. Tinney moved to Buffalo, New York In 1968. He would often play at the historic Colored Musicians Club or with Peggy Farrell’s band. He spent much of his free time supporting the local arts and music scene, encouraging other music lovers to be passionate about their craft. 

Mr. Tinney, a member of Local 92, Buffalo Musicians Association for over sixty years, passed away on December 14, 2002 in Buffalo NY. His last public appearance was November 30th of that year at Fanny's Restaurant in the Buffalo suburb of Amherst, where he appeared weekly for five years. Mr Tinney is remembered by many as a terrific guy and an icon in the Buffalo music scene.