Kevin Mahogany

Infobox actor
name = Kevin Mahogany


caption = Jazz singer Kevin Mahogany at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Jazz Fest on March 4, 2007
birthdate = July 30, 1958
birthplace = Kansas City, Missouri

Kevin Mahogany (born July 30, 1958, [cite web|url=http://delafont.com/music_acts/kevin-mahogany.htm |title=Kevin Mahogany biography|publisher=Richard De La Font Agency] in Kansas City, Missouri) is an American jazz vocalist who became prominent in the 1990's. He is known for his scat singing, [cite web|url=http://www.enjarecords.com/bio.php?artist=Kevin+Mahogany|title=Kevin Mahogany biography|author=Enja Records] and his singing style has been compared with jazz singers Joe Williams [cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:gifoxq9gldte|title=Kevin Mahogany biography|publisher=Allmusic|author=Scott Yanow] and Johnny Hartman. [cite web|url=http://www.twincities.com/music/ci_9954052|title=Mahogany's tribute does justice to Kansas City jazz|publisher=Pioneer Press|author=Dan Emerson]

Kevin Mahogany began his study of music as a child with piano and later learned to play the clarinet and baritone saxophone, performing with jazz bands and teaching music while still in high school. "When I was a kid, music was just as important as English and math in our household" says Mahogany. "In fact piano lessons were a grade school staple for the whole family." [cite web|url=http://www.mnsu.edu/music/events/clinics/jazzfest/jazzfest-past.html|title=Minnesota State University Mankato Past JazzFest Events| publisher=Minnesota State University |accessdate=2008-07-30] Mahogany attended Baker University, where he performed with both instrumental and vocal ensembles and formed a vocal jazz group. In 1981, Mahogany received his BFA in Music and English Drama. After graduation, he returned to Kansas City where he attracted a local following in the 80's performing with his groups, "The Apollos" and "Mahogany." In 1991, he was featured on a CD by Frank Mantooth. [cite web|url=http://www.kevinmahogany.com/ |title=Kevin Mahogany biography|author=Kevin Mahogany]

His first CD release as a solo artist was "Double Rainbow" in 1993. This was followed by the self-titled album "Kevin Mahogany," which won him his first critical acclaim in the media, prompting Newsweek Magazine to call Mahogany "the standout jazz vocalist of his generation." [cite web|url=http://www.kevinmahogany.com/ |title=Kevin Mahogany biography|author=Kevin Mahogany]

Mahogany appeared in Robert Altman's 1996 film "Kansas City," playing a character said to be based on Kansas City singer Big Joe Turner. [cite web|url=http://www.allaboutjazz.com/kevinmahogany|title=Kevin Mahogany at All About Jazz| publisher=AllAboutjazz.com]

Kevin Mahogany lists his vocal influences as Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Al Jarreau and Eddie Jefferson. [cite web|url=http://www.kevinmahogany.com/ |title=Kevin Mahogany biography|author=Kevin Mahogany] As a jazz educator, Mahogany has taught at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and the University of Miami. [cite web|url= http://www.jimnewsom.com/PFW-Mahogany2.html|title=Kevin Mahogany: An Independent Voice|publisher=Portfolio Weekly|author=Jim Newsom]

Discography

With Enja Records:
* Double Rainbow (1993)
* Songs and Moments (1994)
* You Got What It Takes (1995)
* Pussy Cat Dues (2000)

With Warner Bros.:
* Kevin Mahogany (1996)
* Another Time Another Place (1997)
* My Romance (1998)
* Portrait of Kevin Mahogany (2002)

With Telarc:
* Pride and Joy (2002)

With Jazz Empress
* Warming Up Kansas City (2003)

Under his own label, Mahogany Music:
* Big Band (2004)
* To Johnny Hartman (2004)

Notes

Sources

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External links

* [http://www.kevinmahogany.com/ Kevin Mahogany's official site]
* [http://www.hopper-management.com/km_bio_e.htm Hopper Management Agency]
* [http://www.delafont.com/music_acts/kevin-mahogany.htm Richard De La Font Agency, Inc.]