William Osborne Kyle (July 14, 1914 - February 23, 1966) was an American jazz pianist.
Kyle was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began gigging with local bands while in his teens. In the early 1930's, he free-lanced in New York, then was resident pianist at the Memphis Club in Philadelphia. He first came to prominence as accompanist for vocalist Bon Bon Tunnell on radio station KYW.After a stint with the band of Lucky Millinder (1936-38), Kyle joined the John Kirby Sextet, which included among its personnel such illustrious jazz musicians as Russell Procope, Buster Bailey and Charlie Shavers. Kyle remained with 'The Biggest Little Band in the Land' until called up for military.
Like so many of his generation, Kyle was drafted into the army in 1942. He joined the legendary 93rd Infantry Division of the army, but also got to keep his piano chops up, performing with the 368th Infantry Battalion Band.
Kyle also left Kirby in 1946, joining Sy Oliver's Orchestra for a few years. Kyle never was at a loss for work but after 1946 he never led another session under his own name, a true shame. However, his name was still big enough to be featured on the labels of some records made by some of the best singers of the day. including Ella Fitzgerald.![]()
Kyle obviously impressed both Milt Gabler at Decca and his then-boss, Sy Oliver, as he became a regular pianist on many Decca dates of the late 1940s and 1950's including those featuring Louis Armstrong.
Kyle wasn't going anywhere, just yet. In 1950, the smash hit Guys and Dolls opened on Broadway with none other than Billy Kyle on piano. It was the very beginning of black musicians being allowed to play in Broadway pit bands, Kyle being joined for this show by trumpeter Joe Wilder and trombonist Benny Morton. Kyle was content, working six days a week in New York and picking up session work whenever available.
In late 1953 Billy replaced Marty Napoleon in Louis Aemstrong’s All Stars's. Joe Glaser usually did the hiring and firing of Armstrong's musicians but one can imagine that Armstrong had a![]()
say in hiring Kyle. With Kyle, Louis finally had the ideal pianistfor the group. His features always impressed audiences and was much more of a team player being a rock solid accompanist. And with three years playing the exact same things night after night on Broadway, eight shows a week, he had no troubles playing many of the same songs--and solos--night after night with the All Stars. In fact, once Kyle hit upon a set solo or introduction, he never wavered, remaining more tied to his "set" excursions than even Armstrong. Kyle can be glimpsed in the musical High Society (1956).
In late 1953 Billy replaced Marty Napoleon in Louis Aemstrong’s All Stars's. Joe Glaser usually did the hiring and firing of Armstrong's musicians but one can imagine that Armstrong had a
say in hiring Kyle. With Kyle, Louis finally had the ideal pianistfor the group. His features always impressed audiences and was much more of a team player being a rock solid accompanist. And with three years playing the exact same things night after night on Broadway, eight shows a week, he had no troubles playing many of the same songs--and solos--night after night with the All Stars. In fact, once Kyle hit upon a set solo or introduction, he never wavered, remaining more tied to his "set" excursions than even Armstrong. Kyle can be glimpsed in the musical High Society (1956). |
| Kyle with Ben Webster |
(Compiled and edited mainly from Hoosick History.com & IMDB)
"Now You Has Jazz" written by Cole Porter for the 1956 film High Society. In the clip are Edmond Hall, Louis Armstrong, Trummy Young, Billy Kyle, Arvell Shaw and Barrett Deems from The All Stars. Bing Crosby on vocals.