About Billy Mackel
Lived 1912 – 1986 (aged 73). Billy Mackel was an American banjoist, jazz musician, jazz guitarist and musician.
John William Mackel (December 28, 1912 – May 5, 1986) was an American jazz guitarist.
Mackel was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He played banjo early in his career, but like many banjoists of his time he switched to guitar. He led his own band early in the 1940s, then joined Lionel Hampton in 1944 and spent the next thirty years with him. In the 1940s he also recorded with Milt Buckner, Arnett Cobb, Herbie Fields, and others, and worked with Billy Williams in the 1960s. He played left-handed.
Discography At Last with Eddie Chamblee, Milt Buckner, Michel Gaudry, Frankie Dunlop (Black & Blue, 1977)
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Important facts
People in Billy Mackel's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Billy Mackel's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Billy Mackel?
American musician (1912-1986)
When was Billy Mackel born?
Billy Mackel was born on 28 December 1912 in Baltimore.
When did Billy Mackel die?
Billy Mackel died on 5 May 1986 in Baltimore.
What was Billy Mackel's occupation?
Billy Mackel was a banjoist, jazz musician, jazz guitarist and musician.
What nationality was Billy Mackel?
Billy Mackel was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Billy Mackel. https://biography.guide/billy-mackel/
MLA: "Billy Mackel." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/billy-mackel/.
Chicago: "Billy Mackel." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/billy-mackel/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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