Bill Kyle
b. 14 July 1914, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, d. 23 February 1966. Kyle began playing piano semi-professionally while still at school and in the mid-30s was accompanying the popular singer Bon BonTunnell. Later in the decade he played with Tiny Bradshaw and Lucky Millinder and in 1938 joined John Kirby's band, where he remained until drafted for military service in 1942. After the war, Kyle rejoined Kirby for a while, then worked with Sy Oliver and also led his own small groups. Studio and theatre work occupied him for the next few years until, in 1953, he joined Louis Armstrong's All Stars. He remained with the All Stars until his death in February 1966. Although a highly-accomplished technician, Kyle preferred the accompanist's role, content to lend rhythmic support to his front-line colleagues. His delicate touch fitted superbly into the Kirby band and, although somewhat at odds with the flamboyance of the Armstrong band (he succeeded Earl Hines), there were times when he appeared to be its most musicianly member.