An American jazz guitarist born in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

He began his career as a teenager touring with local dance bands before moving on to bands such as that led by Chico Marx. He quickly established himself as a key post-Charlie Christian jazz guitarist.

In 1947 he recorded with Charlie Parker's New Stars on the Relaxin' at Camarillo session for Dial Records.

Kessel is known for his innovative work in the guitar trio setting. In the 1950s, he made a series of albums called The Poll Winners with Ray Brown on bass and Shelly Manne on drums. He was also responsible for the prominent guitar on Julie London's definitive recording of Cry Me a River.

Also from the 1950s, his three Kessell Plays Standards volumns contain some of his most polished work. Kessel was also a member of the Oscar Peterson Trio with Ray Brown in the early 1950s. Herb Ellis took over from Kessel after a year or so.

During the 1960s Kessel became one of the most in-demand session guitarists in America, and is considered a key member of the group of first-call session musicians now usually known as The Wrecking Crew. In this capacity he played on hundreds of famous pop recordings including albums and singles by Phil Spector, the Beach Boys, the Monkees and many others.

Kessel released several solo albums even late into his life. He died of a brain tumor in San Diego, California. He had been in poor health after suffering a stroke in 1992.