The Great Guitars... originally uploaded by anyjazz65 Charlie Lee Byrd(September 16, 1925 - November 30, 1999), better known as Charlie Byrd, was a famous American jazz guitarist, born in Suffolk, Virginia. He was the first jazz guitarist of his era whose primary instrument was the classical guitar. Barney Kesselwas born in Muskogee, Okla., on Oct. 17, 1923, and began his professional career there at 14 as the only white musician in an otherwise all-black dance band. He died May 6, 2004. Herb Ellis was born August 4, 1921 in Farmersville, Texas. Ellis attended North Texas State University from 1941-43 where his classmates included Jimmy Giuffre, Gene Roland, and Harry Babasin. These three musicians toured in the '80's as The Great Guitars. This is an scan from an old snapshot taken in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Yes, I refuse to use Kleenex until THIS stops.