Bill Jennings

Bill Jennings (b. William Leroy Jennings in Indianapolis, September 12, 1919 - d. Indianapolis, November 29, 1978) -- Guitarist and composer. Indianapolis native Bill Jennings spent some time on Indiana Avenue and later became a prolific recording artist. He led two albums on Prestige (1959-60) with Jack McDuff playing organ and his brother Albert on vibraphone and guitar. A left-handed guitarist, he was also a sideman on ten albums led by Willis "Gator" Jackson from 1959 to 1968. Aside from the jazz accomplishments, he was a major influence on B.B. King and he played with Louis Jordan and the Tympani Five and Louis Armstrong. He also played guitar on Little Willie John's "Fever," which made it to #24 on the R & B charts. Having served in the U.S. Navy, Jennings died in the Veterans' Hospital in Indianapolis.