Kenny was born and raised in Durham and attended Durham School of the Arts for middle and high school, where he studied piano and guitar before discovering his love for the upright bass. He went on to earn a B.A. in Jazz Studies from Florida State University under the tutelage of Rodney Jordan and Marcus Roberts. Since returning to the Triangle in 2013, he’s enjoyed a prolific freelance career on upright as well as electric bass.
He has accompanied artists like Christian Scott and Jane Monheit, and performed at venues such as Dizzy’s Club, Blue Note New York, and the National Gallery of Art. Kenny’s freelance work has also given him the opportunity to play a wide variety of styles, including classical, blues, rock, funk, country, bluegrass, gospel, and salsa. He brings this diversity of experience to his teaching, encouraging students to pursue whatever part of the music world they enjoy.