Keg Purnell

Keg Purnell (January 7, 1915 - June 25, 1965) was an American swing jazz drummer. His influences include Chick Webb and Big Sid Catlett.

Purnell studied at West Virginia State College from 1932–34, and played with the Campus Revellers while there. He toured with King Oliver in 1934-35, then played freelance and with his own trio in the late 1930s. In 1939, he worked with Thelonious Monk.

In the 1940s, Purnell played in the bands of Benny Carter (1939–40), Claude Hopkins (1941-42), and Eddie Heywood (1942–52). He also recorded with Rex Stewart, Teddy Wilson, and Willie "The Lion" Smith. Late in his career he played with Snub Mosley (1957 and subsequently). Purnell never recorded as a leader.

References

• Scott Yanow, Keg Purnell at Allmusic