Milt Abel

Bassist Milt Able,and his wife pianist Bettye Miller, were among the premier Kansas City jazz artists performing in the 50’s 60’s & 70’s. Known for their musical polish and sophistication, Bettye and Milt brought a unique warmth and intimacy to their performances. Miller was often spoken of as the "queen of Kansas City jazz" – the first since the great Mary Lou Williams – and she and husband Milt Abel carried on Kansas City’s celebrated musical tradition for twenty-five years. It was while playing at the Horseshoe Lounge on 32nd and Troost, that she met Milt Able. They performed together at the Horseshoe Lounge for ten years, followed by regular engagements at various Kansas City jazz clubs, including the Plaza III, Putsch’s Strawberry Patch, and Mr. Putsch’s on the Plaza. They also performed occasionally in Chicago, New York, and Las Vegas, as well as at numerous jazz festivals and in benefit concerts. Miller’s death at the age of 49 was considered a major loss to the local jazz scene.