And then there's a book. I think it'll be called I Remember When. Actually, there might have to be several volumes because I have a lot of photos and even more memories.
I remember being hired by George Wein, organizer of the New Orleans Jazz Festival. He promoted me as a sideman who was able to fill any number of roles. Some of that came from the experience I had with my father and some from Buddy Guy, or even when my brothers and I had our own band. The important thing was having someone seeing what I was capable of and wanting to see my talents put to good use. I played the Montreux and New Orleans festivals and had some great opportunities.
Because of opportunities like that, I got to play with Muddy Waters and Big Mama Thornton, Memphis Slim and Professor Longhair. I can tell you any number of stories from that time, but for every story I tell, another one comes to mind. We could do this for days. So a book is probably a good thing.
Are you willing to talk about your illness?
I didn't even know I was sick until I went to the doctor for a routine physical. I was a little tired, but I thought it was from all the touring. I mean, I have good eating habits, I quit drinking a long time ago because you can't really drink and maintain the pace needed for a life on the road. So the diagnosis was a surprise. But I took it seriously right from the beginning.
I lost my brother Ronnie, who was only 42, in 2004. That was the start of a very rough period. Nothing could be worse than losing three family members in the span of a year. I lost Ronnie, my father, and then my sister Jackie. I miss them every day, but I'm not ready yet to join them, so I'm fighting this thing head on.
With the treatment, I'm not nervous at all. I'm ready to do it and put it behind me, get my health back where it needs to be. I'm lucky we caught it so early because the doctors think 48 weeks of treatment will give me an 80% chance of clearing this disease completely. I don't need to spend all my time in a hospital. When I look at it that way, it's not so bad.
Article comments
1 - Pico
Being from Kenny's neck of the woods, I enjoyed reading this interview, he seems to be so down to earth.
I also realized a big goof on my Studebaker John review from a couple of week ago, implying that like John, Kenny could play guitar, sing, compose and play harmonica. But I didn't realize he could also play paino, trumpet and bass, too! Very informative piece.
-P
2 - Connie Phillips
Congratulations! This article was an Editor's Pick this week.