If you’ve never heard of Kenny White, you might want to check him out. He’s not a pop star, though maybe he should be, he’s not young nor would he ever be a contestant on American Idol. He’s a songsmith. His tales of love, loss, curiosities and more left me speechless last week when he performed at The Cooperage.

I met Kenny when he was composing jingles for a NYC music house, Crushing. On staff there would be many other writers ready at the word, ‘go’, who would provide advertising clients’ radio and TV commercials with music to satisfy the soul, I mean, to inspire consumers to go out and buy their products. (another conversation for another time). And it made for more stress as they also had to compete against each other for the same job allowing the winner to get residuals for singing on their own song tracks and receiving arranger/composer fees. I know because I was one of them working in different music houses.

Kenny was one of the steadfast writers for Crushing, I can’t recall working with him. After reconnecting last week at The Cooperage, I wish I had. There’s something to say about maturity, life experiences. The last time I saw Kenny was in NYC. He had long, dark, curly hair. Kenny now has short and gray hair. To me, a sign that life is moving along just fine and I get to share that with him through his words.

Kenny looks back at relationships, feelings and experiences and at times I could hear giggles from his ABQ fans. I even heard myself in giggle at his stories. I am glad that I can say all of this while Kenny’s with us rather than looking back after he’s gone.

This last line was prompted by the loss of one of our colleagues this week: Phoebe Snow.

Do check Kenny White out when you can.