About Fred Guy
Lived 1897 – 1971 (aged 74). Fred Guy was an American guitarist, banjoist, jazz musician and jazz guitarist.
Frederick L. Guy (May 23, 1897 – December 22, 1971) was an American jazz banjo player and guitarist.
Born in Burkeville, Virginia, Guy was raised in New York City. He played guitar and banjo with Joseph C. Smith's Orchestra. In the early 1920s, Guy joined Duke Ellington's Washingtonians, switching from banjo to guitar in the early 1930s. He remained with Ellington's orchestra until 1949. He retired, moved to Chicago, and for twenty years ran a ballroom. In 1971, he committed suicide.
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Important facts
People in Fred Guy's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Fred Guy's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Fred Guy?
American musician (1897–1971)
When was Fred Guy born?
Fred Guy was born on 23 May 1897 in Burkeville.
When did Fred Guy die?
Fred Guy died on 22 December 1971 in Chicago.
What was Fred Guy's occupation?
Fred Guy was a guitarist, banjoist, jazz musician and jazz guitarist.
What nationality was Fred Guy?
Fred Guy was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Fred Guy. https://biography.guide/fred-guy/
MLA: "Fred Guy." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/fred-guy/.
Chicago: "Fred Guy." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/fred-guy/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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