Peck Kelley
1898–1980 (age 82)
Musician
Biography
Peck Kelley (1898–1980) filled dance halls and concert stages with the magnetic rhythm of his piano, earning his place among the most elegant musicians of his day. Though he often declined the spotlight, his playing influenced generations of jazz artists who admired the depth and nuance he brought to every performance.
He treasured the camaraderie of fellow musicians and the shared joy that arises when strangers are united by music. The quiet grounds of Washington Cemetery now hold the stillness of a life spent composing and improvising in service of wonder.