Kenyon Grey
3
songs
2.5K
plays
Heaven In Your Eyes (Country Version) Heaven In Your Eyes (Country Version)
'Heaven In Your Eye's' debuted at #83 on the CCMA charts playing on 1500 radio station in 31 states across the US.
Twin Towers Rising Twin Towers Rising
'Twin Towers Rising' was recorded by 1002 Productions in Nashville, for R2K Records, Produced by Tony Marty (Curb Records)
Chasing Rainbows Chasing Rainbows
Chasing Rainbows was recorded by 1002 Productions in Nashville for Creative Focus Records; Produced by Tom 'Merph' Wanka.
Kenyon Grey is a national recording artist with influences in country & adult contemporary ganras. In 2001, Kenyon debuted at #83 on a national chart through the HMG/CCMA, playing on 1500 radio stations in 31 states across the US.Band/artist history
Kenyon Grey grew up in his fathers church where he played bass on the worship team. In 1980, Kenyon formed the band 'Prophecy' with Billy Spoon. Still, athletics were more the priority at that point in his life. "Boxing, kickboxing, and football, pretty much dominated my existence", Kenyon explains.
It was only when Kenyon was injured in a freak accident while playing Arena Football, did he realize that athletics held no future in his life. "I was trying to drudge my way into the NFL by playing in these minor leagues. It wasn't meant to be", remembers Kenyon.
His athletic future was finished, so Kenyon took a job as a manager / bartender at a local strip club. "I call it my 8 years of darkness." says Kenyon. "My morality fell by the wayside. I was angry for a number of reasons, yet I couldn't put a finger on any of them. I lost two marriages because of that business. I was a true viper in the world. I had to change my life."
Kenyon refocused and got hired on with the local Fire Department. Soon, he started a new music project called 'Destiny'. "It was fun, we released one independent CD."
Then, in 1999, feeling that he should focus more in the Adult Contemporary genre, Kenyon formed a duo project with Thurane Aung Khin of New Jerusalem. A move that later paid off when the duo signed recording contracts with RCM Records in early 2000. They released a 4 song EP and the title cut, a song called "Heaven in Your Eyes" immediately began to create a stir. Dan Keen with BMI in Nashville heard the song and said it would be a great fit in Country music. In August of 2001, "Heaven in Your Eyes" debut at #83 on the CCMA/HMG Charts, playing on 1500 radio station in 31 states across the US.
"Heaven in Your Eyes", took the CCMA/HMG by storm, receiving tremendous reviews and write-ups in Power Source Magazine, a well-respected industry editorial. Soon the duo was performing in venues like, Nashville's Millennium Hotel, The Westin Hotel at LAX, Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Mesa Amphitheater, Peoria Sport Complex, as well as opening for major artists, Bob Carlisle (Butterfly Kisses), Clay Crosse, and Michelle Tumes. The duo also appeared live on television, Channel 3's 'Good Morning Arizona Show'. But, they really turned heads performing at the GMA Awards and the CCMA Awards respectively.
Yet, as suddenly as it began, it ended. RCM Records couldn't continue the promotions. As a result, the Kenyon Grey duo split. Thurane's New Jerusalem project found new life however, so Kenyon went solo.
In early September of 2001, Kenyon signed a recording contract with Creative Focus Records and recorded "Chasing Rainbows", a cute little country ditty aimed at families. The song was set to be released later that month, but then 9/11 occurred.
Kenyon remembers that tragic morning. "As I watched those Towers fall, I knew that hundreds of my brothers, my fellow firefighter were dying that very moment and my heart tore. Only by placing God as my beacon of light, did I get through it."
In the next few weeks, Kenyon was moved to write two songs, "For Whom the Bell Tolls" & "Twin Towers Rising", honoring all those brave souls who lost their lives that fateful morning. 1002 Productions in Nashville heard the songs and signed Kenyon to Development & Production contracts. They also brought Grammy Award winning writer / producer Tony Marty with Curb Records on board. The bond between Tony and Kenyon was ever tightened when they found out that both their birthdays fell on 9/11. "Their seemed to be a Godly, spiritual presence when we wrote and recorded these songs." says Kenyon.
Both songs seemed to garner immediate interest from industry executives. "Tony told me that his promoters over at Curb Record absolutely loved 'For Whom the Bell Tolls', reveals Kenyon.
In August of 2002, Loggins Promotions test marketed both 9/11 songs and "Chasing Rainbows" to New Music Weekly, Billboard, FM Quarterback, Radio & Records, and Gavin, as well as other top radio personalities and professionals. Both "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "Twin Towers Rising" received a rating of 4 out of 4 stars in regard to commercial value and "Chasing Rainbows" received 3 out of 4 stars.
Beth and Bill on KEZs top morning radio show in Arizona called 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' "A beautiful and well written song... very impressive.
The songs created such a buzz that radio stations everywhere were playing them. "It was crazy, I kept on getting all these calls to do radio interviews, states Kenyon. "I'd do them of course... I think the interview on Clear Channel actually started it all. I believe they went out to something like 750 stations nationwide."
The Clear Channel interview created such a wild fire effect that Kenyon spent most of 2002 traveling to perform and promote the songs. Soon offers began to poor in from some very high profile independent labels and one from a very prominent major label.
Then tragedy struck Kenyon's family. "No one knew about it, not even the guys on the fire department. My children suffered horrifically while in the care of their mother, so they were placed in my custody and I retired from music to care for them. I figured my kids deserve a father who'll put his dreams on hold to raise them."
Unfortunately, the despair of not following his dreams took its toll. "I gained 240 pounds and suffered a stroke in 2017. Laying in that hospital bed, I knew if I didnt do something I wouldnt be around much longer."
So Kenyon had bariatric surgery and lost the weight. "Its been fifteen years and my children are all grown up now. I've realized, in the hard times you really have to fall into God's arms and let him keep you standing strong.
Currently, Kenyon is looking to see what he has left and if he's still viable in the music industry.Have you performed in front of an audience?I love to play live, anywhere I can. It can be very spiritually moving.
Your musical influences
Al Gerow, Night Ranger, Oingo Boingo, Keith Green, Matthew Ward, Phil Keagy, Steve Camp, Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Tim McGraw, John Williams, Hans Zimmer, and Danny Elfman.Contact
Sorry, this artist currently doesn't accept email messages.
Comments (4)
Kenyon,
Thanks for the apology & post - no worries, man! :-)
God bless,
Thurane
Kenyon-
Very nice across the board!
Production sounds great as well.
Would you take a sec and listen to a song of mine called Psalm 33? I would love your feedback (good or bad)
thx
chris
Kenyon, Your testimony and music speak for themselves...very God inspired. Keep pressing toward to mark brother.
paul
Great job, Kenyon! God bless, and may all of your heart's desires be granted by He who first loved us! :-)
Love in Christ,
Thurane
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