Founding member and guitarist for Family on every album. Born Richard John Whitney on June 24, 1944, Skipton, N. Yorkshire.
During 1966 The Roaring Sixties were renamed Family and they replaced their drummer Harry Overnall with Rob Townsend. Whitney became famous both for his cocky expression and his double-necked Gibson guitar.
Streetwalkers (1974-1977)
Tim Buckley’s 5/21/74 “Old Grey Whistle Test” session, featuring “Dolphins” and “Honey Man”, along with Tim Hinkley (b) and Ian Wallace (d). Hinkley and Wallace were part of Streetwalkers Mk. 1. The session is found on Tim Buckley’s Morning Glory.
Axis Point (1978-1981)
Was created by Charlie Whitney. Drummer Rob Townsend is ex-FAMILY and MEDICINE HEAD. Guitarist Bob Tench of HUMBLE PIE, HUMMINGBIRD, WIDOWMAKER and STREETWALKERS guests on the debut album as does QUATERMASS and GILLAN bassist John Gustafson and additional drums by former FANCY and JUDAS PRIEST man Les Binks. Despite the undoubted pedigree of talent involved the second album, 1980’s ‘Boast Of The Town’, is generally regarded as uninspired.
Los Racketeeros (1981-present): Whitney’s blues/bluegrass group has a 16 year history, and they finally released their first album in 1995. This crossover rock-country album is in the same vein as Workingman’s Dead. All of the tunes are originals, except for a cover of “Burlesque.” The talents of Whitney can be heard throughout this CD, with many slides and rich 12-string tones to be had.
John Whitney AKA Charlie Whitney (1999): Whitney’s first solo CD is a product of his recent work in the home studio. An electric counterpart to Los Racketeeros, it features some great rockers, songs of rumination and a few tunes which expose his fascination with the sea. Whitney plays almost all the instruments, and he sings lead vocals throughout the album. His never-before-heard quirky vocal style, matched with his penchant for guitar slides, clearly shows his fondness for George Harrison. The record features 12 tracks, including a raw slide version of “My Friend the Sun.”
