Born in Ansonia, Connecticut, Tinney was a child actor and was a cast member in the original production of George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess in 1935.

As a child, he lived with his family in Greenwich Village and Harlem in New York City.

[1] He led the house band at Monroe's from 1939 to 1943, which featured Charlie Parker, Max Roach, Benny Harris, George Treadwell, and Victor Coulsen.

He was an influential bebop pianist, whose style can be heard echoed in the playing of Bud Powell, George Wallington, Al Haig, and Duke Jordan.

[3] Later in life, Tinney often played at the historic Colored Musicians Club in downtown Buffalo or with Peggy Farrell's house band.