Kenny is a keyboardist extraordinaire who’s played with many great bands and artists, most notably a 6-year stint with the Georgia Satellites.
He’s also an accomplished studio and teaching musician. Kenny plays regularly with noted singer/songwriter Tommy Talton and a variety of other great musicians in and around the greater Atlanta area.
If you had to describe yourself as a band, song or genre, what would it be?
California Country–I grew up listening to Poco, Eagles, and Jackson Browne. I’m a laid-back kind of a guy.
How did you get started in the music business?
I started as a teenager playing with friends in the battle of the bands scene. We landed a house band gig at age 14 and started making $125 per week in 1974.
What’s your proudest moment in the music business?
I went to Nashville with John Barry to support him in landing a record deal with Liberty Records. We ended up playing a private show for the President, Mr. Jimmy Bowen and a few others. We played eight songs like we were playing for 2000 people. After we finished and tore down, Mr. Bowen asked John why he came to Nashville and he told him to get a record deal. Mr. Bowen said, “Well, you got it.” That was a real confidence booster and a great experience.
Who helped you along the way?
All the bands and different people I’ve gotten to play with over the years. The road is a great teacher.
What do you consider your greatest failure and what did you learn from it?
My inability to write music versus being a great renderer of it. I have ideas and have not been able to master the ability to put it down and complete it. Always keep a recorder and pen and paper handy!
Knowing what you know now, if you could do something over or different, what would it be?
I would put myself in front of more people that have influence within the music industry. I oftentimes relied on my natural ability to play to speak for me–and it wasn’t enough. I started getting more work as I grew in confidence and started telling people that if you need a keyboard player then I’m the guy. It’s something only learned later in life.
What’s been your key to success?
Attitude! Always have that attitude that you’re there as a team player. Understand your role and help make the artist or band sound as good as they can.
Top 3 takeaways to support your success in the music business:
- Learn from everyone you play with AND play with a variety of people.
- If you want a career, learn great PR skills – Market, Market, Market!
- Differentiate yourself from the crowd – be unique.
Learn more about Kenny here:
Facebook: Kenneth Head
Inquires about Kenny’s improvisational keyboard instruction:
Email: KLHMusic@yahoo.com
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