Millard Kelso

    "The Little Man With the Moustache" was born in Cleveland, Oklahoma, and was brought up on a farm. He spent his early days helping with the milking and plowing and other household chores.

    Millard went to a little country school, but instead of studying at night, he would be out picking old tunes on the family piano in the parlor. By the time he was 18 years old he could play almost any popular number anyone requested. Then he began intensive development of his individual style which was called "rhythm piano."

    Next to the piano, Millard's hobby was horseback riding, and would often spend hours a day in the saddle. Kelso also acquired the nickname of "Skunk" because while hunting a skunk he was sprayed by it.

    Millard was five foot nine inches tall, weighed 150 pounds and had black hair and very dark brown eyes. 

    Millard originally joined Johnnie Lee Wills band, then soon joined the Texas Playboys just as the band was breaking up for the war. He left for defense work, and later rejoined the band.

      Following Tommy Duncan's leaving the Texas Playboys in September 1948, Millard Kelso, along with Joe Holley and Ocie Stockard, also left the Texas Playboys and joined with "Tommy Duncan and His Western All Stars."

      Millard Kelso died in Santa Clara, California, on March 12, 1968 at the age of 56.