Barney Kessel

American jazz guitarist and author, born October 17, 1923, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA; died May 6, 2004, University Heights, San Diego, California, USA (age 80).

Father of [a=Dan Kessel] and [a=David Kessel]. Married to Gail Genovia Farmer; to Betty Jane [a=B.J. Baker] from 1961 until their divorce in 1980; to Joanne "Jo" Kessel from 1980 to 1990; to hyllis Magary Van Doren ([a=Phyllis Kessel (2)]), from 1992 until his death in 2004.

Generally considered to be one of the greatest jazz guitarists of the 20th century, he was a member of many prominent jazz groups as well as a "first call" guitarist for studio, film, and television recording sessions. Kessel was a member of the group of session musicians known as The Wrecking Crew.

Began playing guitar at age 12; played with Hal Price & the Varsitonians at age 16; persuaded by Charlie Christian to move to Los Angeles in 1942, and soon worked with the big bands of Chico Marx, Ben Pollock, Hal McIntyre, Charlie Barnet, and Benny Goodman. In 1944, hired by Norman Granz to play guitar in the film Jammin' the Blues, along with Lester Young. Then worked with Charlie Barnet, Hal McIntyre, Artie Shaw, Charlie Parker, and others. In 1951, he joined Oscar Peterson's Trio, and in 1952, joined Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic. In 1953, he formed his own trio and recorded for Contemporary. And became a renowned session guitarist, including as part of the Wrecking Crew. Moved to London in 1969, then back to LA in 1970. Relocated to San Diego, California, in 1989, and married Phyllis Van Doren in 1992. Suffered a stroke in 1992 and was forced to stop playing.

Authored the books The Guitar: A Tutor (1967), Guitar Improvisation (1985), and 14 Original Guitar Solos (1992).