A very well known radio announcer and later a painter, Claney was born in Pittsburgh, PA.  He attended Carnegie Technical Drama Department, and later studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago, National Academy of Design, the Art Students League, the Colarossi and Grande Chaumiere in Paris.  He worked various jobs, including work in drama and theater where he worked as an assistant to three well known scenic designers.  Claney was later called on for radio shows which led to commercial radio work for NBC, General Motors, Firestone and later for NBC in London & Paris.  Claney was called "one fo the most talented and popular radio announcers in the business."  In the late 1930's Claney left the United States to study art and travel abroad, returning in 1941.  While abroad in continued his broadcasts and painting up until WWII, when he left Europe as hostilities increased.  He exhibited at many venues to include the Society of Independent Artists, Vendome Gallery, Auguata Savage Salon, and the Harmon Foundation. Claney was a member of the Salmagundi Club in New York.  He retired from broadcasting in 1970 and moved to North Carolina.

Reference Material: Who was Who in American Art - Falk and the Society of Independent Artists - Clark Marlor - Mallets Index of Artists and the Howell Family Papers from the Archives of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, plus numerous on line research references.