Kenny was born Oct. 20, 1934 in Manila, Arkansas, and was raised in Dyess, Arkansas. He was exposed early in life to what he calls "Earth Music."  His father was a Pentecostal minister whose arbor church was, in the beginning, constructed of tree poles and brush. "It was a church full of music", Kenny remembers.  This experience gave him the understanding he has of his muisic and makes it special to him.  Listening to a radio powered by a dry cell battery, Kenny taught himself the songs he heard on the "Grand Ole Opry".  Little did he know that these simple beginnings were the training he would need to become a truc country artist.

   Finally after years of playing in small clubs, he broke into the professional ranks by appearing with such notable artist as Merle Haggard, Freddie Hart, Billy Mize, and Lefty Frizzell.  A special friendship emerged between him and Merle which exists today.  Kenny is truly grateful for the help and encouragement he was given by Merle.

Kenny is the heart of country music and knows and understands the feelings of those who love country music.  Kenny's first charted hit, "Goodbyes Come Hard For Me", was written by the late Tommy Collins.  It was released on Dec. 9, 1972.  That, along with his next two hits, "This Just Ain't No Good Day For Leaving", and "Love And Honor", were produced by Merle Haggard himself.

    He started touring with Merle Haggard, and during 1973, he toured and opened all shows for Jerry Lee Lewis.  His travels have taken him all over the world, touring with all of the top stars of the 70's and early 80's. He has appeared on the "Porter Waggoner" tv show, Ralph Emery's "Midnight Show" from WSM Nasville,  "Country Crossroads" with D. J. Bill Mack, and many others too numerous to name.  He has had 17 chart records, and released numerous singles and several albums.  Kenny was the first country artist to appear at the "Carnegie Hall" in Dunfermline, Scotland. Dunfermline is the home town of Andrew Carnegie, who donated the money to build the world famous "Carnegie Hall" in New York City.

    In 1982, Kenny played to a "Sold Out" audience at the "Wemberly Stadium" in London, England. He did two tv specials entitled "The Entertainer" for independent television in London.  In 1983, he was named "Best International Act" at the Aberdeen Music Festival.. he has also toured and performed in Germany, Ireland, and Holland.

    The Oklahoma "Country Music Association" honored Kenny with their "Entertainer of the Year" award in 1982 and 1984.  He was inducted into the Oklahoma "Country Music Hall of Fame in 1996. He was the first person to be inducted into the organization who was not born in Oklahoma. Kenny also won the 1978 and 1980 "Male Vocalist of the Year" at the Grapevine Opry, in Grapevine, Texas.  He recorded a live album at the Grapevine Opry in the earyl 80's.  Soon afterward, Kenny had enough of the road, so he retired to a ranch in Montana.  He still maintains a home in Rowlett, Texas, and spends his winters in Texas and his summers in Montana.

    The love of performing never leaves an entertainers heart, so in 1992, he found his way to a little Opry in Wylie, Texas.  For over 16 years, he has served as host and master of cermonies at the Wylie Opry each Saturday night during the winter months.  Kenny's voice and charm is the highlight of each show, and like vintage wine, he seems to get better with age. Kenny has just completed a compilation album on "Hillside Records", with Curtis Potter, Darrell McCall, Justin Trevino, and others on it.