1931 – 1971

Wynton Kelly

American jazz pianist (1931–1971)

recording artistjazz musicianmusicianpianistcomposer

Born

1931-12-02, Brooklyn

Died

1971-04-12

Birthplace state

New York

Biography

Wynton Charles Kelly was an American jazz pianist and composer. He is known for his lively, blues-based playing and as one of the finest accompanists in jazz. He began playing professionally at the age of 12 and was pianist on a No. 1 R&B hit at the age of 16. His recording debut as a leader occurred three years later, around the time he started to become better known as an accompanist to singer Dinah Washington, and as a member of trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie's band. This progress was interrupted by two years in the United States Army, after which Kelly worked again with Washington and Gillespie, and played with other leaders. Over the next few years, these included instrumentalists Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Hank Mobley, Wes Montgomery, and Sonny Rollins, and vocalists Betty Carter, Billie Holiday, and Abbey Lincoln.

Occupation

Wynton Kelly is recorded as a recording artist, a jazz musician, a musician, a pianist and a composer, born in New York (1931–1971).

Connections to New York

Wynton Kelly was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1931. Explore other notable figures from New York, historic sites connected to this era, and the full colonial and statehood history of the state using the links below.

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Frequently asked about Wynton Kelly

Who was Wynton Kelly?

Wynton Kelly was American jazz pianist (1931–1971), born in New York (1931 – 1971).

When and where was Wynton Kelly born?

Wynton Kelly was born on 1931-12-02 in Brooklyn.

When did Wynton Kelly die?

Wynton died on 1971-04-12.

What was Wynton Kelly known for?

Wynton Kelly is recorded as a recording artist, a jazz musician, a musician, a pianist and a composer.

Source

Biographical content adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Source: Wikipedia.

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