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Thomas Raymond Kelly

Thomas Raymond "Red" Kelly (August 29, 1927 in Shelby, Montana – June 9, 2004 in Tacoma, Washington) was an American jazz double-bassist. Kelly initially took lessons on drums, but he was unable to work the hi-hat because polio had inhibited the use of his feet. He switched to double-bass instead as a teenager and in 1949 began playing bass in a big band led by Charlie Jackson.

Also recorded as Red Kelly

Thomas Raymond Kelly

Born
1927 · Shelby.
Died
2004 · Tacoma.
Nationality
United States
Occupation
musician · businessperson
Fields
jazz

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Evidence Panel

identity unresolved · checked 25 September 2026

Identity
unresolved
Independent source families
0
Admitted assertions
0
Open conflicts
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Authority files

wikidata · Q2136001

In this article

  1. 01Biography
  2. 02Notes, references and evidence

The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 26 August 2026.

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