Musician; born in Wichita, Kans. He was raised in Los Angeles, where he played piano in several lesser-known big bands throughout the 1930s and with Vido Musso in 1938--39. In 1940, he formed his own orchestra which won wide acclaim for its unusual theme song, "Artistry in Rhythm," and its mild experimentations in a self-described "progressive jazz" style. He disbanded in 1947 and spent three years in retirement. He attracted notoriety in 1950--52 with a 40-piece orchestra which he billed as "Innovations in Modern Music," playing composed avant-garde works as well as jazz. From 1952 until his death, he led a standard jazz big band, although his 1964 recording, Kenton Plays Wagner, and his 1966 Neophonic Orchestra were further experiments in symphonic jazz. He was also a pioneer in jazz education, conducting over 100 clinics annually throughout the 1960s and 1970s.