Kenny White

Kenny White is a relative newcomer to the world of the touring singer-songwriter, but the long road he’s driven to get to this point is evident in his soulful and witty material accompanied by dazzling keyboards and guitar. He has released four CDs since 2001. The latest, Comfort in the Static on Wildflower Records, was released to critical acclaim in the US and Europe. Pete Fornatale, (WFUV) declared it his “favorite album of the year … riveting … compelling” and David Crosby describes him as “A true wordsmith and musician who reveals a fine sense of humor, as well. He has earned a place among my favorite singer/songwriters.”

Kenny began his career in the 1970s touring extensively as the keyboard player for Jonathan Edwards and Livingston Taylor. He then became a fixture in the NY studio scene throughout the 1990s, producing and arranging literally hundreds of commercials for TV and radio, beginning with “The Unsinkable Taste of Cheerios,” and nearly seven years of Chevrolet’s “Heartbeat of America” campaign. Commercials enabled him to work with artists like Gladys Knight, Linda Ronstadt, Ricky Skaggs, Aaron Neville and even the London Symphony Orchestra. Kenny also worked on many film soundtracks as a contributing writer/musician, including Message in a Bottle, A Walk on the Moon, Where the Heart Is, and four films by John Sayles. He produced Shawn Colvin’s Grammy-nominated song, “I Don’t Know Why” and performed on Marc Cohn’s platinum debut record.

After being hailed by reviewers from the NY Times to the SF Chronicle for his thrilling and unique piano playing, Kenny chose to devote himself to making his first album, one that not only showcases his talent as a musician, but also as a lyricist. His work in the studio enabled him to assemble an A-list team of players for Uninvited Guest. He began traveling with and opening shows for many of his friends and colleagues including Cheryl Wheeler, Jonathan Edwards, and Richard Shindell. An early copy of his follow-up record, Symphony in 16 Bars, landed in the hands of Judy Collins, who then signed him to her own Wildflower Records, releasing the CD in 2005, followed by the EP, Never Like This, the following year. Kenny often travels with Judy Collins as her opening act throughout North America and Europe.

“I’d have to say that Kenny White has earned a place among my favorite singer/songwriters … and particularly, lyricists. As we say in the trade ‘he goes deep.’ A true wordsmith AND musician who reveals a fine sense of humor, as well. Put on your headphones and listen carefully.”
- David Crosby

“Songs of tragedy, comedy, life and death … Kenny White is the troubadour of our sometimes sweet, often troubled times. ‘Carry You Home’ is the big song I’ve been waiting for. Bravo, Kenny, in all categories…writing, playing, singing. Could I have some more, please?”
- Will Jennings, multi Oscar and Grammy winning songwriter

“…especially about the band’s pianist, Kenny White, who unleashed a couple of solos that were about as enlivening as anything heard on the pop front this year.”
- John Rockwell, NY Times

“…Kenny White, one of the musical highlights of the evening.”
- Robert Palmer, NY Times

“I know by June what my favorite album of the year is: Comfort in the Static.
I cannot imagine hearing a more riveting or compelling recording between now and December. It’s all locked up.”
- Pete Fornatale “Mixed Bag,” WFUV-FM New York