Wynton Kelly

Wynton Kelly earned recognition as an outstanding accompanist admired by Miles Davis and Cannonball Adderley, while also carving out a singular path as a soloist whose style would leave a lasting mark on Benny Green years later. Brooklyn provided the setting for his upbringing, during which he performed in R&B groups directed by Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Hal Singer, and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. In 1951 he documented fourteen pieces for Blue Note with a trio and appeared alongside Dinah Washington, Dizzy Gillespie, and Lester Young through 1951 and 1952. Military service interrupted his career, yet after his discharge he drew notice in associations with Washington between 1955 and 1957, Charles Mingus from 1956 to 1957, and the Dizzy Gillespie big band in 1957, although his reputation ultimately rested on the period spent with Miles Davis from 1959 to 1963, captured on albums including Kind of Blue, At the Blackhawk, and Someday My Prince Will Come. Departing Davis, Kelly formed a trio by enlisting the remaining rhythm-section players, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Jimmy Cobb. That unit reached its peak effectiveness when supporting Wes Montgomery. Ahead of his premature death, Kelly led sessions for Blue Note, Riverside, Vee-Jay, Verve, and Milestone.