Keith Killgo and Joe Hall, Original members of The Blackbyrds
About this Artist
Keith Killgo and Joe Hall are original members of The Blackbyrds, the band formed in 1973 by legendary jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd.
The name The Blackbyrds was derived from Byrd’s most successful record Blackbyrd, which appeared on Blue Note Records and was produced by the duo of Fonce and Larry Mizell.
The Blackbyrds were reformed in 1999 by Keith Killgo and later recorded Gotta Fly in 2012 on K-Wes Indi Records. This was somewhat of a reunion gathering that included founding member Allan Barnes. Unfortunately, this was the last time they would have a chance to see and perform with Allan who transitioned on July 25, 2016.
Currently, the band tours Europe and headlines many festivals in the US. In celebration of their 50th Anniversary, they kicked off their World Tour in July 2023 with a long-awaited US tour!
The Blackbyrds's current lineup of musicians consists of original members Keith Killgo and Joe Hall. Harold Barney has joined on keys; Keith's former student Paul Spires on vocals; Thad Wilson on trumpet; Tom O’Grady from the UK on keys and trombone; Marshall Keys on sax; Sean Anthony on percussion; Charles Wright on guitar. Charles replaces original guitarists Barney Perry and Orville Saunders.
During the Blackbyrds' career, the group cut a handful of LPs (1973's The Blackbyrds, 1974's Flying Start, 1975's City Life, 1976's Unfinished Business, 1977's Action, 1980's Better Days); scored films (1975's Cornbread, Earl and Me); and supported artists like B.B. King, Mandrill, and Roberta Flack. "Walking in Rhythm," "Rock Creek Park," and "Happy Music" are their three best-known cuts; they have remained underground club classics, and they have been kept alive, in part, through sampling.