In 1965, Kenny Edwards was a co-founder of The Stone Poneys, along with Linda Ronstadt and Bobby Kimmel, and with them made several albums on Capitol Records, toured, and became well-known in the new American folk-rock movement of the 1960’s. Since then he has collaborated and played with the likes of Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, Warren Zevon, and even Ringo Starr.
The term “musical legend” is applied far too liberally these days, and those who are truly deserving of such accolades tend to be the least comfortable with embracing them. Kenny Edwards truly is a musical legend. One of the main characters in the American folk-rock movement of the late-sixties and early seventies, audiences soon realize how very familiar they are with the sound of Edwards' voice and his wonderful musicianship.
After the Stone Poneys, Kenny lived and worked right in the heart of LA's "Troubadour days”. During this time he teamed up with Karla Bonoff, Wendy Waldman, and Andrew Gold to form the legendary band Bryndle, ultimately signed to A&M. Kenny and Andrew went on to become the backbone of Linda Ronstadt's band, and were central to the Ronstadt sound during her hit years in the ‘70s. In Kenny's case, he also supplied Ronstadt with material - he introduced her to the music of Karla Bonoff, and he co-wrote with Linda himself on occasion. During this time Kenny also produced Karla Bonoff's debut album and two more for CBS.
Kenny Edwards: Press
by Brett Leigh Dicks
It's about time Kenny Edwards commanded a headlining show at SOhO, for there are a few singer songwriters in town with the resume, musical armory, or sheer elegance as Edwards. Having been a foundation within the Stone Poneys for many years, Edwards then went on to be a sidekick for Linda Ronstadt when she went solo. Add to that collaborations with the likes of Don Henley, Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, and Emmylou Harris, and you soon get a sense of his musical might. While Edwards' certainly has an impressive resume, not even that can measure up to spending an evening in the company of the man and his guitar.
Having released his self-titled solo album back in 2002, Edwards continues to go from strength to strength in terms of both writing and performing. Take “Misery and Happiness” for instance. Armed with simply his trusty mandolin, the song breaks its recorded shackles and literally explodes into life on stage. At the other end of the emotion spectrum resides “No Tears”, a gentle ballad sung with a perfect hint of sweet regret. In the live arena, Edwards’ songs flow effortlessly from the stage with both passion and purpose.
While we constantly see Edwards with a guitar in his hand and offering stringed support to local musicians such as Glen Phillips, Natalie D-Napoleon, Rich Phillips, and Julie Christensen, we aren’t treated to nearly enough of his own performances. Let’s hope that last night’s performance is a long overdue precursor to just that. Kenny Edwards is a singer songwriter of the purest persuasion - one who not only gives so freely of his music, but also of himself. And that is something well worth seeing much more of.
Thank you so very much for giving me a copy of your new CD. It is a truly wonderful piece of work....great songs, excellent sparse production, impeccable guitar playing, beautiful, inspired, and soulful vocals. I've played it over and over again, and it knocks me out. Congratulations, Kenny, you really nailed it! It's probably my most favorite CD of the last 5 years...FABULOUS! . . . know in your heart that you created a gem in your body of work.
- courtesy of Freebo, award winning writer/bass player who's played with BONNIE RAITT, CROSBY, STILLS & NASH, MARIA MULDAUR, JOHN MAYALL and others
Well, after over forty years in the music business both in front of the mic, and behind the scenes, Edwards has gotten around to making his second solo album. He’s come up with some beautiful new originals including the title track written with Katy Moffatt. It’s been a couple of generations since his days as one of the Stone Poney’s and backing Linda throughout the seventies but he sings and plays like he just arrived and ready for another forty years.