Ken Kersey

Kenneth Lyons Kersey (April 3, 1916 – April 1, 1983) was a Canadian jazz pianist who spent most of his life working in the United States.

Early life Kersey was born in Harrow, Ontario, on April 3, 1916 into a musical family. He studied piano and trumpet while attending the Detroit Institute of Musical Arts.

Later life and career In 1936, Kersey moved to New York City, where he played with Lucky Millinder, Billy Hicks, Frankie Newton, Billie Holiday, Roy Eldridge, Red Allen, and Cootie Williams.

In 1942, he replaced Mary Lou Williams as Andy Kirk's pianist; Kirk recorded his composition "Boogie Woogie Cocktail". With Jonah Jones Jonah Jones Sextet (Bethlehem, 1954) With Charlie Shavers Horn o' Plenty (Bethlehem, 1955)