Kenneth 'Edward' Colyer (April 18, 1928–March 8, 1988) was a British jazz trumpeter and cornetist, devoted totally to New Orleans jazz. His band was also known for skiffle interludes.

He grew up in Soho in London and was a member of a church choir. When his older brother Bill went off to serve in World War II he left his jazz records behind, which hooked Ken. He joined the Merchant Navy at 17, travelled around the world and heard famous jazz musicians in New York and Montreal.

In the UK he played with various bands and joined, in 1949, the Crane River Jazz Band (CRJB) with Ben Marshall, Sonny Morris and Monty Sunshine. The band played at the Royal Festival Hall on 14 July 1951, in the presence of HRH Princess Elizabeth.

Parts of that group merged with other musicians to form the Christie Brothers' Stompers. Ken rejoined the Merchant Navy and jumped ship to get to New Orleans where he played with his idols in the George Lewis Band where he was offered the job of lead trumpeter on a tour but was then put in prison and deported. Bill posted his famous letters from New Orleans on the door of Dobell's Jazz Record Shop—so he returned home to a crusader's welcome.

Ken was met at Southampton by brother Bill and Chris Barber. They had already contacted Ken and advised him that they had formed a co-operative band, originally intending to use Pat Halcox, but, at the time, he had decided not to turn professional.

The first Ken Colyer Jazzmen, therefore, was formed, with Ken on trumpet, Chris Barber on trombone, Monty Sunshine on clarinet, Ron Bowden on drums, Lonnie Donegan on banjo and Jim Bray on bass. At the time Ken told the Melody Maker: "We are going to try to popularise New Orleans music without distorting it, aborting it, or slapping any gimmicks on it. I am pleased to be reunited with some of the old Crane River bandsmen, and very glad to have Ron Bowden who is the best British drummer I have played with." Certainly not the sentiments he was to express in just over a year’s time.