Kevin Mahogany grew up in Kansas City, amidst the sound of Motown,
Memphis and the evolving Rock music of the adventurously turbulent Sixties. In
attendance at the Charlie Parker Foundation, Kevin was teaching clarinet
at the age of 14, while studying piano and becoming an accomplished
baritone saxophonist, performing with three Jazz bands while still in high
school.
Frustrated by the big horn’s inability to produce the solos in his head,
Kevin turned to singing, founding a Jazz choir while studying at Baker
University in Kansas. After graduation in 1981, he established two
ensembles focussing on classic ‘60s soul, contemporary R&B and crossover
Jazz. He also became deeply affected by Eddie Jefferson and Lambert,
Hendricks and Ross.
After recording three well-received albums for the excellent German Jazz
label Enja, Kevin signed with Warner Brothers Records and released his
first self-titled recording in 1996. Shortly afterward, he portrayed a
character based on Big Joe Turner in Robert Altman’s film 'Kansas City.'
Since then, Kevin has been in constant demand, receiving both 'Down
Beat' and 'Jazziz' Reader’s Polls awards for best male vocalist in 1998 and
critical acclaim from music magazines and other publications like
'Time,' 'Newsweek,' 'The New Yorker' and the 'L.A.' and 'N.Y. Times.'
In his most recent album, 'My Romance,' a ballad collection ideal for
his deeply resonant voice, Kevin pays tribute to the tradition of great
balladeers like Johnny Hartman, Nat King Cole and especially Arthur
Prysock and Billy Eckstine.
Combining his early instrumental skills with a powerful and mellifluous
voice, Kevin Mahogany is taking his place among Jazz’ great vocalists.
