Speck Redd  (1914 - 1974)

Ernest "Speck"  Redd was born in Hannibal, MO and moved to Des Moines in 1941 after living in Ottumwa.  Nicknamed "Speck" because of his freckles, he was a popular pianist during World War II and the Center Street jazz era in Des Moines.  Speck was a mainstay at the Tally-Ran nightclub at 3red and Grand and later at Vic's Tally-Ho Restaurant.  He appeared many times on KRNT radio and television and taught his style of playing to hundreds of students over the years including other Hall Of Fame inductees, Scott Smith and Sam Salomone.  Speck Redd  was one of the best known players in Des Moines until his death n 1974.