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International Jazz Legend from Woonsocket, Rhode Island


Local jazz legend Dave McKenna, known for his unique “three-handed” swing style on the piano, was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island in 1930. Despite achieving international fame as a solo pianist, McKenna’s roots remained in Rhode Island where his mother, a talented pianist and violinist, gave him his first piano lessons.

McKenna’s career took him all over the world, but he always maintained connections to his home state. He performed at the Community College of Rhode Island’s Flanagan Campus in Lincoln, showcasing his incredible talent to local audiences. McKenna’s career continued to flourish, even after a brief pause for military service during the Korean War.

Tragically, McKenna passed away in 2008 at the age of 78 due to lung cancer. His legacy as a jazz master lives on, inspiring musicians and audiences alike. Though he may have started out in a local community college, Dave McKenna’s talent and passion for music took him far beyond Rhode Island, cementing his place in jazz history.

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Photo credit wbsm.com

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