| |
Kevin Welch
Amongst the American singer-songwriters, the name of Kevin Welch stands out effortlessly. He is one of the most highly regarded and loved singer-songwriters that America has produced. He was born on August 17, 1955 in Long Beach, California.
Though born in California, Kevin Welch didn't stay there for long. He spent most of his growing up years in Oklahoma. Right from his teenage, he had developed a deep interest in music. He knew the talent was in him. It was a matter of time when he would realize his talents. As a teenager he went for several tours with different bands. Later, he gave due importance to his career as a songwriter. Hence he moved to Nashville in the year 1978 to work as a songwriter. His compositions were used by many popular singers of the time such as Ricky Skaggs, Steve Earle and Don Williams.
He however, didn't neglect his singer as well. He and his band ‘The Overtones' turned up for regular performances at local clubs. It was during this period that he became much popular and began to be looked by big banners. This period was in fact, the most crucial stage of his career. Hard work always pays and finally in 1988, when he had gained much name and fame, the big break happened. He signed a record deal with Warner Brothers. This was in fact a turning point in his career and from there on, there was no looking back.
Two years after signing the record contract in 1990, his first self titled album - Kevin Welch was released. Though this album was not a commercially successful, it earned Kevin Welch rave reviews. Again after two years another album, Western Beat was recorded. Just like the first one, this album didn't do well enough commercially. Nevertheless, he received good reviews. But that was enough to please his boss. As expected, he was discharged from the contract by Warner Brothers.
|
|
| |
Artist Biography - Kevin Welch
|
 But that was not going to hamper his spirit. In 1994, along with his companions Tammy Rogers, Kieran Kane, Michael Henderson and Harry Stenson, Kevin Welch founded the record label Dead Reckoning Records. Life Down Here On Earth was published in the year following and Beneath My Wheels in 1999. Later in 2002, with the help of several Danish musicians, the album Millionaire was recorded.
His popularity in Europe can be gauged from the fact that his popular hit ‘Something About You' from his 1992 album Western Beat was used as the background music in Tuborg's.
2004 saw Welch teaming up with fellow Dead Reckoning artists Fats Kaplin and Kieran Kane to produce "You Can't Save Everybody". The trio then produces "Lost John Dean" in 2006. Both were acclaimed by music lovers and critics alike. Lost John Dean was able to reach number one on the Americana charts. It also did well enough to gather nominations for several awards which include Duo/Group of the year at the 2006 Americana Honors and Awards.
Welch has also teamed up with Australian band The Flood to produce albums and DVD's together.
Discography:
Kevin Welch - 1990
Western Beat - 1992
Life Down Here On Earth - 1995
Beneath My Wheels - 1999
Millionaire - 2002
You Can't Save Everybody - 2004 (with Kieran Kane and Fats Kaplin)
Lost John Dean - 2006 (with Kieran Kane and Fats Kaplin)
|
| |
|
For more information , enjoy the official homepage of Kevin Welch
|
|
|
