Kersey was born in Harrow, Ontario, on April 3, 1916[1] into a musical family.

He studied piano and trumpet while attending the Detroit Institute of Musical Arts.

[2] In 1936, Kersey moved to New York City, where he played with Lucky Millinder, Billy Hicks, Frankie Newton, Billie Holiday, Roy Eldridge, Red Allen, and Cootie Williams.

[2] He continued to perform with such musicians as Eldridge and Allen, as well as Buck Clayton, Edmond Hall, Sol Yaged, and Charlie Shavers.

[1] With Buck Clayton With Edmond Hall With Jimmy Hamilton With Jonah Jones With Charlie Shavers