Keg Purnell (January 7, 1915 - June 25, 1965) was an American swing drummer. He was influenced by Chick Webb and Big Sid Catlett.
Purnell studied at West Virginia State College (1932-1934) and then played with the Campus Revellers. He toured with King Oliver (1934-1935) and then was a freelancer. He also had his own groups. In 1939 he worked with Thelonious Monk. In the 1940s he played with the bands of Benny Carter (1939-1940), Claude Hopkins (1941-1942) and Eddie Heywood (1942-1952). He took up with Rex Stewart, Teddy Wilson and Willie "The Lion" Smith. Later in his career he played with Snub Mosley (from 1957). Purnell never made recordings as a leader.
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