Barney Kessel was an American jazz guitarist generally considered to be one of the greatest jazz guitarists of the 20th century. He was noted in particular for his vast knowledge of chords and inversions and chord-based melodies. He was a member of many prominent jazz groups as well as a "first call" guitarist for studio, film and television recording sessions. Kessel was a member of the group of session musicians known as The Wrecking Crew.