rainer ptacek

Rainer Ptacek (pronounced: rye-ner tha-chek) was born in 1951 in what was then known as East Germany. His family emigrated to the United States and settled in Chicago in 1956. In 1972, Rainer moved to Tucson, Arizona

Rainer performed and composed his own version of the Blues. He was a master on the National Steel Guitar. His unique interpretation of Blues standards left an indelible mark on all listeners. He had a distinctive voice and a style all his own.

He recorded several albums as a solo artist and with his band, Das Combo. He toured Europe several times. He was a legend in Tucson. Tribute albums were recorded to benefit his family when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1996. The featured performers included Robert Plant and Emmylou Harris.
Rainer passed away on November 12, 1997