About Red McKenzie
Lived 1899 – 1948 (aged 48). Red McKenzie was an American bandleader, jazz musician, singer and music executive.
William 'Red' McKenzie (October 14, 1899 – February 7, 1948) was an American jazz vocalist and musician who played a comb as an instrument. He played the comb-and-paper by placing paper, sometimes strips from the Evening World, over the tines and blowing on it, producing a sound like a kazoo.
In 1931, he sang on "Time on My Hands, "Just Friends" (1931), and "I'm Sorry Dear" (1931). McKenzie played in the Town Hall concerts of Eddie Condon, but retired in the 1940s.
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Important facts
People in Red McKenzie's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Red McKenzie?
American musician (1899–1948)
When was Red McKenzie born?
Red McKenzie was born on 14 October 1899 in St. Louis.
When did Red McKenzie die?
Red McKenzie died on 7 February 1948 in New York City.
What was Red McKenzie's occupation?
Red McKenzie was a bandleader, jazz musician, singer and music executive.
What nationality was Red McKenzie?
Red McKenzie was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Red McKenzie. https://biography.guide/red-mckenzie/
MLA: "Red McKenzie." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/red-mckenzie/.
Chicago: "Red McKenzie." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/red-mckenzie/.
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