Barney Kessel Dies

Barney Kessel, "Mr. Guitar," died at the age of 80 from a brain tumor that was diagnosed three years ago. He recorded with Elvis on "Return to Sender".

Mr. Kessel recorded with the great names of the sixties and seventies like Righteous Brothers ("You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling") and the Beach Boys, whose landmark "Pet Sounds" album prominently featured his impeccable guitar work, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra and Sam Cooke. He also was a frequent collaborator of pioneering pop/rock producer Phil Spector. Jazz was Kessel's greatest musical love, and his recording partners included such icons as Charlie Parker, Oscar Peterson, Benny Goodman, Sonny Rollins, Elvin Jones and many more.