KENNY BURRELL
Genres: Bop, Hard Bop, Soul Jazz, Big Band, Post Bop, Pop, Art Song, Folk, Cool Jazz, Bossa Nova, Blues • United States

Kenneth Earl "Kenny" Burrell (born July 31, 1931) is an American jazz guitarist. His playing is grounded in bebop and blues; he has performed and recorded with a wide range of jazz musicians. Burrell was born in Detroit, Michigan to a musical family and began playing guitar at the age of 12. His influences as a guitar player include Charlie Christian, Django Reinhardt, and Wes Montgomery. While a student at Wayne State University, he made his debut recording as a member of Dizzy Gillespie's sextet in 1951. He toured with Oscar Peterson after graduating in 1955 and then moved to New York City in 1956.  A consummate sideman, Burrell recorded with a wide range of prominent musicians. He also led his own groups since 1951 and recorded many well received albums.  In the 1970s he began leading seminars about music, particularly Duke Ellington's. A highly popular performer, he has won several read more...