Rennie Crain
Biography & Discography
Biography by Skip Parsons
Discography & Webpage by Cliff Lamere
27 Feb 2006
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Bio by Skip Parsons
Rennie Crain
Piano
& Keyboard
Rennie was born in upstate New York and graduated from high school in Delmar, N.Y.
Although he studied piano at an early age, he later graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and became a
chemist. Rennie moved to New York City where he worked as a chemist and part time pianist. While in New York, he attended Juliard
School of Music and his musical talents not only made him shine as a pianist, but
as an arranger as well.
He gained musical acclaim in the 50's arranging and performing with the traveling Bob Chester Band as well as the Glen
Gray Orchestra. Eventually these talents took him to the Tex Benecke
Orchestra and eventual work with Skitch Henderson.
After several years of road and arranging work, he settled again in New York
City, where he appeared and recorded with Edie Gormee, Rosemary Clooney, Sal Salvadore and Vincent Lopez.
Rennie also appeared on several occasions at the famous Roseland Ballroom.
Later, Rennie returned to the Capital District where he accepted employment with Sterling Winthrop Laboratory.
His musical chemistry was never to vanish, however, for he proceeded to other musical encores.
These included appearances with Red Norvo, Bob Wilber, Flip Phillips, Doc Cheatham, George Wetling, Pee Wee Russell, George Masso, Ken Peplowski, Joe Muranyi, Spanky Davis, Alan Vache, Tom Saunders, Jack Maheu, & many more.
Rennie still continues to display his marvelous talents as well as ever, playing and arranging
for many special events, both in & out of town.
Rennie became somewhat regular with Skip Parsons' "Exjazzaganzas" and is one of
their most respected and talented members.
Rennie Crain can be seen in photos on the internet:
Beneath a canopy - Tom D'Andrea, Rennie Crain, Ernie Belanger, Skip Parsons, Woody Strobeck, Mo Rancourt, Eddy Kebabjian (left to right)
Gazebo - 1) at keyboard, and 2) standing rear right
Rennie Crain plays on the following CDs (click on the icons):
WITH SKIP PARSONS
Skip Parsons' Riverboat Dixieland Jazz Band 