Kenny Graham

Kenny Graham (born Kenneth Thomas Skingle; 19 July 1924 – 17 February 1997) was a British jazz saxophonist, arranger, composer, and essayist. He is regarded as one of Britain's foremost jazz composers and arrangers, and a pioneer of the modern jazz movement in the country. Born in Ealing, London, Graham began his musical journey at a young age, first learning the banjo and later the tenor saxophone. He joined the army during World War II but was rejected for a service band role. He then played in various British dance bands, including those led by Nat Temple, Nat Gonella, and Eric Winstone. Graham also performed in Victor Feldman's Sextet. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the jazz scene in Britain.