Peck Kelley

John Dickson "Peck" Kelley (October 22, 1898 – December 26, 1980) was an American jazz pianist. He was best known for his 1920s band Peck's Bad Boys, which included Jack Teagarden, and Pee Wee Russell.

Early life John Dickson "Peck" Kelley was born in Houston, Texas on October 22, 1898.

Career Peck's Bad Boys During the 1920s, Kelley was a popular bandleader who led his own band, Peck's Bad Boys. The group included several jazz musicians that would go on to forge successful recording careers of their own, players such as Jack Teagarden, Louis Prima, Terry Shand, Wingy Manone, Leon Roppolo and Pee Wee Russell.

Reluctance to travel or record Kelley rarely played anywhere outside of Texas. Although Kelley enjoyed playing at the sessions, and subsequently listening to the tapes, he refused to allow them to be released. They were eventually released in 1983 (after Kelley's death) by Commodore Records as the "Peck Kelley Jam Sessions, Volumes 1 & 2". However, some private recordings of this same period have been released on the Arkadia record label.

Personal life Throughout his career Kelley wished to remain anonymous, a private man who did not wish fame for himself. It is commonly accepted by jazz historians that the 1940s Will Bradley hit "Beat Me Daddy, Eight to the Bar" is in reference and tribute to Kelley. Eventually Peck became blind and developed Parkinson's disease, dying on December 26, 1980, at 82.

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