Long After I'm Gone Sigle
Oprah Winfrey has gotten a lot of headlines and attention for her school in South Africa, but another entertainment superstar has turned his attention abroad and opened a school in the Darfur Region of Sudan.
In 2007 Big Kenny, of the country music super duo Big & Rich, escaped the turbulent music scene and found himself on a plane to the Sudan. The Darfur region has been terrorized by war and genocide. Global interference for the rights of the people of the region might be the only way to quell the horrors taking place.
Kenny saw this and it struck his heart. With the help of his company Love Everybody, LLC, he made a commitment to fund and support The Kunyuk School for Girls in Akon Village, Darfur. The multi-platinum recording artist who lives by the phrase “Love Everybody” felt the plight of the children of the region, so he committed himself and all his resources to building the school and filling it with medical and school supplies, musical instruments, clothing and building tools, all while raising his three year old boy. Big Kenny’s trip to Darfur and the work he did there was the subject of a documentary that debuted at the 2008 Nashville Film Festival.
Big Kenny has since returned to Nashville. He recently served as a judge and mentor on CMT’s “Can You Duet” with Naomi Judd and Big Machine Records founder Scott Borchetta. Borchetta is best known as the man behind Taylor Swift’s meteoric rise to the top of the country and pop charts. Big Kenny’s musical influence was apparent each week as the duos on the show grew into stronger performers.
Steel Magnolia, who entered the competition together, beat out thousands of others who came as duos and singles looking for a partner. The prize was a recording contract with Big Machine Records. Steel Magnolia’s new single, Keep on Lovin You, is available for download at the Big Machine Records website or on Itunes.
Kenny is also back making music of his own. After penning hits for Jason Aldean, Gretchen Wilson as well as superstar Tim McGraw, BK has returned to his roots. A split from his record label allowed him to rediscover himself and rejuvenate his artistry. The BMI Songwriter of the Year returned to his Nashville home and started making music his way.
The first single from his upcoming solo album, “The Quiet Times of a Rock and Roll Farmboy” is titled, Long After I’m Gone. The song and first two video edits show a man who has obviously come to terms with what is important in his life. The video mixes scenes of Kenny and his family on his childhood plantation with solo scenes of a man in reflection. The single tells a great story, has some of the Big & Rich feel, but is thoroughly Big Kenny heart. Long After I'm Gone is available for free download on his website www.BigKenny.tv.
”I’ve been through hell and back musically, and personally. I wanted to step beyond all that and just write great stuff that would mean something to people, stuff I’d like to sing for the rest of my life.” Big Kenny
Kenny has written some great stuff and hit a homerun with his new album. The Quiet Times of a Rock and Roll Farmboy is a fusion of country, rock, reggae and R&B. Check out Columbia Country Music Examiner or www.BigKenny.tv for a forthcoming release date.
For the Free Download of “Long After I’m Gone” click here.
To see the Video of “Long After I’m Gone” click here.
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