KENNY'S MUSICAL JOURNEY
Photo Circa 1978 / Mark Vannoy Photography
Kenny's musical journey began at the age of 14 when he wrote his very first song, the classic "Seeing You With Him (Breaks My Heart)" a country music weeper which has yet to see the light of day! After graduating high school at Amanda-Clearcreek, Kenny went off to broadcasting school to try his hand at becoming a disc jockey. Soon afterwards he landed a job at Columbus, Ohio country radio giant WMNI where his appetite for music and performing only increased. The WMNI Country Cavalcade, a live radio broadcast of the country music show performed at the Southern Theater is where Kenny debuted! The first song he ever performed live was the Hank Snow classic, "I've Been Everywhere." Soon Kenny began writing and recording, and released his very first (and only) vinyl album, "I Love My Friends" which was released in December, 1980. The single "Hold Back the Morning" a duet with Peggy Riffle climbed to #17 on the WMNI radio chart. His career was off and running.
Photo Circa 2000 / Cindy Barnes
A conversion to Christ is the autumn of 1982 allowed Kenny to shift gears and to dedicate his talents to serving the Lord. Kenny began leading worship in the local United Methodist Church in 1983 and during his tenure there released four cassette albums. "Blow the Trumpet In Zion" (1985), "The God That Cannot Fail" (1986), "Shout Jesus to a Dying World" (1988) and "Send Down Your Glory" (1990). Kenny became the worship leader for Frontline Church of God at its' founding in the early 90s and developed his piano and writing skills more fully. Many of the songs written during this time by Kenny were recorded on his first CD "Heart Songs" released in 1998. Stepping down earlier from worship leading duties, Kenny devoted time and energy to the "Heart Songs" project. God opened many doors for Kenny to sing and to testify in churches, large and small, across all denominational lines. The song "Sweet, Sweet, Jesus" was a particular favorite of the people who came to his concerts. In 2000, Kenny released, "Growin' Up Gospel" CD, which featured many of the Gospel songs Kenny loved as a teen. During this time Kenny felt the desire to move back into worship leading as well. He led worship for 4 years at the Vineyard in Westerville for one of their large men's groups. This led to the release of 2002's "Arms of Love" CD featuring all Vineyard songs. It bombed. Kenny quickly followed with the 2002 release "The Singing Mailman" which did much better.
Photo Circa 2011 / Cindy Barnes
Kenny continued to both tour and lead the weekly Vineyard group service until late 2002. After serving four years at Vineyard, Kenny felt it was time to move on. While still doing concerts in 2003, Kenny received an invitation to lead worship at a missions church located near The Ohio State University that focused on the GLBT community. Kenny said at the time, "I'll either experience the annointing or the lightning, but either way I'll get to meet with God!" The Lord moved in mighty ways as men and women who had been outcasts in other churches were finding the amazing presence of Christ through his music. The work there lasted two years and then in 2005, Kenny joined up with the unique "United Methodist Church for all People" at Parsons and Whittier on Columbus' southside. Pages could be written about the ministry that goes on there, particularly the various outreaches to the poor in the area. The worship team is as unique as the people themselves. It's a mix of jazz, blues, black gospel, and traditonal. Under the wonderful leadership of Jazz vocalist Eileen Howard (former missionary to Africa), and now led by Katelin Hansen, the worship and music program is cutting edge and powerful. As one of the team members, Kenny continued writing and singing, with the added dimension of social awareness, which led to recording and releasing the CD "Change the World." Many of the songs were written in response to pastoral messages. Today Kenny embarks on yet another musical journey, one he hopes to help "Change the World" with a message of true hope and redemption in God's love!
