10/17/2026
On this day in 1923, legendary guitarist Barney Kessel was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Picking up the guitar at only 12 years old, Kessel is recognized as one of the best improvisational guitarists in the world. Released in 1957, one of the most notable recordings of Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood" was a duet between Kessel and the one and only, Ella Fitzgerald.
When the 60s rolled around, Kessel was working as a member of The Wrecking Crew, where he recorded with The Monkees, The Beach Boys and more, alongside Leon Russell. From 1961 - 1974, Gibson even produced a hollow-body jazz guitar in his name, featuring a spruce top, maple sides and back, mahogony neck, and Brazilian rosewood fretboard.