William McKinney

Bandleader and drummer, born September 17, 1895 in Cynthiana, Kentucky, died October 14, 1969 in the same location.
After World War I, McKinney performed as a circus drummer, after which he settled in Springfield, Ohio, leading the Synco Jazz Band. In 1923 he ceased playing drums, becoming the band's conductor and manager. The band changed name to McKinney's Cotton Pickers and started recording in 1928. McKinney lead the band until the early 1940s, when he left the music business.