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 Dan Kessel and David Kessel. Married to Gail Genovia Farmer; to Betty Jane B.J. Baker from 1961 until their divorce in 1980; to Joanne "Jo" Kessel from 1980 to 1990; to Phyllis Magary Van Doren (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.