A lesser-known pianist of the big band era, Billy Kyle 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 service in 1942. He then worked
extensively with
Sy Oliver,
as well as fronting several small combos of his own. From 1953 until
his death, he was a member of the
Louis Armstrong All-Stars and
can be glimpsed in the musical
High Society (1956). Kyle was noted
for a delicate style and a tendency to prefer rhythmic support to
playing lead piano.
When the Boys Meet the Girls(1965)as Pianist with Louis Armstrong
Die Nacht vor der Premiere(1959)as Billy Kyle (piano)
High Society(1956)as Louis' Pianist
Sepia Cinderella(1947)as Pianist - John Kirby Sextet
The Edsel Show(1957)
Boarding House Blues(1948)
BBC Show of the Week(1965)as Self - Piano
Shindig!(1964)as Self - pianist
The Mike Douglas Show(1961)as Self
BP Super Show(1959)as Self - Piano
