About Edward Kendall
Lived 1808 – 1861 (aged 53). Edward Kendall was an American bandleader, conductor and trumpeter.
Edward "Ned" Kendall (March 1, 1808 in Fort Wolcott, Goat Island, Rhode Island – October 26, 1861 in Boston) was a bandleader and musician who played the keyed bugle. He was known for his Boston Brass Band, itself a pioneer in all-brass bands, and for a trumpet-playing showdown with the former leader of the Boston Brigade Band, Patrick Gilmore. He played the keyed bugle, an instrument first made by Nathan Adams of Lowell, Massachusetts, c. 1825. The instruments had become popular with bands very soon, and were common by 1830. Ned was considered among the best on his chosen instrument, and his death seen as the "end of an era" for the instrument, as the valved cornet took over in the bands.
One of Kendall's instruments, a keyed bugle made H. Sibley, Boston, was given to the Library of Congress.
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Important facts
People in Edward Kendall's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Edward Kendall's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Edward Kendall?
American bandleader and musician
When was Edward Kendall born?
Edward Kendall was born on 1 March 1808 in Newport.
When did Edward Kendall die?
Edward Kendall died on 26 October 1861 in Boston.
What was Edward Kendall's occupation?
Edward Kendall was a bandleader, conductor and trumpeter.
What nationality was Edward Kendall?
Edward Kendall was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Edward "Ned" Kendall
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Edward Kendall. https://biography.guide/edward-kendall/
MLA: "Edward Kendall." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/edward-kendall/.
Chicago: "Edward Kendall." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/edward-kendall/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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