Kenne’ Wayne Celebrates 17 Years of Recording
Kenne’ Wayne is a flat foot singer, entertainer and the last of his kind. Wayne got his first record deal in 1995 with the legendary Jay D. Miller and MTE Records. Jay D Miller discovered Bluesman Slim Harpo. Slim had the biggest hit of his career in 1966 with “Baby, Scratch My Back” which made the Billboard’s Top 20 pop charts. Jay Miller, also discovered Country recording star Sammy Kershaw and many more.
In March of 1995 Kenne’ started his musical journey. Along the way Kenne’ excelled with his musical talents as a, songwriter, producer, engineer, vocalist and drummer. Kenne’s first CD OLD FASHION LOVE was released in 1995 with his debut single “After the Party”, that was an ear catcher for many DJ’s. At that time the scene was full of legends like the late Johnnie Taylor and the late Tyrone Davis. Kenne’ was the youngest in the genre. At the time which was called “Blues”. Wayne and his production crew worked hard at releasing hit after hit.
In 1997 Kenne’ struck gold with the song “A&B Conversation” from the CD “LOVE ON ME”. The CD showed off Wayne’s vocal ability. Two years later in 1999, Wayne struck again with a song titled “LOVE DOWN”, it had a big beat and funky groove, but the love down CD was full of dance floor ready and love songs.
He was steady at work, at all times to get better and better and in 2000 he dropped a monster CD, called the “THE LICKA STICKA”, which contained an abundance of hit songs like “The Party Ain’t Over,” “Gonna Miss Me” and “You’re My Angel”. It was the CD that showed the soul blues industry that Kenne’ Wayne was a leader not a follower.
Four years later in 2004 Wayne went independent and released his 5th CD “WHO IS IT” on G-Street Records which was his own label. Wayne & his co-producers were getting slicker and headed toward more of an R&B sound. He released songs like “Watcha Gonna Do”, “Who Is It?” and “Tonight’s The Nite”.
In 2006, Kenne’ signed a record deal with Good Time Records out of London, England. Kenne’ released his 6th CD titled “TIME TO GET LOOSE”, on this CD Kenne’ stepped out of his production crew and worked with one of Memphis, TN prominent song writer and producer Lawrence Harper on the songs “Running Around” and “Party On Da’ Weekend”.
In 2008, Kenne’ went back to Memphis, TN and hooked up with Sam Fallie aka “Mr. Sam” and Ezra “Ez Roc” Williams who produced and wrote most of the songs on his 7th CD “YOU’RE THE BEST”. This CD clearly showed that Kenne’ Wayne had the vocal abilities of a high end R&B singer. When you listen to songs like “You’re The Best” and “I Can’t Tell”, it makes you wonder why Wayne entered the Soul Blues Genre. This guy can really lay it down like Gerald Levert and Ronald Isley.
In 2010, Wayne returned home to G-Street Records and released his 8th CD entitled “THE M.V.P”. This CD is full of stepping and swinging tunes. It contains songs like “Good, Good Love”, “Bop” and “Love Is Still Good”. Each one of these songs could be considered main stream.
Kenne’ Wayne also showed that he is a down south Louisiana native. Wayne was raised up on Zydeco music. He released one of the most powerful, up-tempo, Zydeco songs ever to be released entitled “Ride It Like A Cowboy”. Wayne was the first artist to combine Soul, Blues & Zydeco together. If you haven’t heard Zydeco before, listen to this song and you will know what Zydeco truly is.
Kenne’ Wayne explains that Zydeco is a high energy, up beat groove that keeps you moving all night long. It’s not a shuffle beat, but a beat that keeps you on your feet. Zydeco main instrument is the accordion and wash board that gives it the assurance that you are listening to a true Zydeco beat. Kenne’ also was inspired by a number of Zydeco artists like Keith Frank, Lil Nate, J Paul and Leon Chavis. Check out these guys and you will see what Zydeco is all about.
Wayne won the 2011 Jus’ Blues Award out of Memphis, TN for The Best Southern Soul Song “Ride It Like A Cowboy”.
It’s been 17 years and Wayne says he feels like he is getting stronger vocally and he is ready for another 17 years. He thanks God for blessing him for staying healthy both mentally and vocally. Wayne would like to thank his family and the musicians in his band over the years for having his back and most importantly his fans, radio jocks, club owners, promoters & mobile jocks for supporting him though out the years.
Carl Marshall … Not long after The Jus’ Blues Music Foundation & The Jus’ Blues Music Awards announced that Carl Marshall’s new song “Jus’ Blues” has become the official theme song of the foundation our dearest friend and VP Carl suffered a stroke and has been in the hospital recuperating each day. We have received many many requests for updates or info on which hospital he is at. The concern for this great man is certainly appreciated (and deserved if we may say so ourselves). Even if we were to reveal which hospital he doesn’t wish to receive any visitors other than his immediate family. It’s not that he don’t wanna see ya it’s just he has a lot of work to do (and it’s very tiring the rehabilitation process) and he doesn’t feel ready yet. He is improving each day and we will pass on any updates…and we and others have made him aware of those praying and asking about him. God bless you
FOR MORE INFO
