- Born
- Died
- Birth nameBernard Kessel
- Nickname
- Kess
- In a near six-decade career, he was rated the #1 guitarist in Esquire, Downbeat and Playboy magazine polls between 1947 and 1960. Barney Kessel, a pioneer of the electric guitar and a master of harmonic improvisations, also recorded over fifty albums including a number of innovative albums with drummer Shelly Manne and bassist Ray Brown that were remarkable for the lack of a pianist. He also performed with the Oscar Peterson Trio and ensembles with Charlie Parker, Charlie Barnet, Art Tatum and Artie Shaw, and with performers Elvis Presley, Liberace and The Beach Boys. Leaving the jazz world for studio work, between 1967 and 1970, he operated Barney Kessel's Music World in Hollywood, but, in 1972, he returned to full-time stage work. A stroke in 1992 curtailed his career.
- IMDb mini biography by: Hup234! - Composer, guitarist and conductor, a member of the orchestras of Chico Marx, Charlie Barnet, Hal McIntyre and Artie Shaw and the Oscar Peterson Trio. He conducted for a number of television programs from the 1950s, and on films and records. Joining ASCAP in 1957, his popular-song compositions include "Everytime I Hear This Song", "Twilight in Acapulco", and "Latin Dance No. 1".
- IMDb mini biography by: Hup234!
- SpousesPhyllis Magary Van Doren(January 24, 1992 - May 6, 2004) (his death)B.J. Baker(July 31, 1961 - 1980) (divorced)Genovia Gail Farmer(August 5, 1949 - ?) (divorced, 3 children)
- Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999.
- Jazz guitarist.
- Father of David Kessel and Dan Kessel.
- Founded Emerald Records (1966-).
- Barney was the real guitar player for the character "Jim Lindsey" on The Guitar Player Returns (1961).
- [1972, after resuming his stage career] I wanted to be able to take my guitar out of the case and always be me, not a guy doing a dog food commercial.
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