Kem (singer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kem
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Kem in 2023
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| Birth name | Kim Lamont Owens |
| Born | July 23, 1967 Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Origin | Pontiac, Michigan, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1999–present |
| Labels | Motown |
Kim Lamont Owens (born July 23, 1967), known as Kem, is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. He is famous for his R&B and soul music. R&B stands for Rhythm and Blues, and soul music is a type of music that combines gospel, rhythm and blues, and jazz.
Early Life
Kim Lamont Owens was born on July 23, 1967. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in the United States. He grew up in Pontiac, Michigan.
Career Highlights
Kem started his music journey in a unique way. He wrote, produced, and paid for his first album himself. He used his American Express credit card to fund it. He also sang popular cover songs in a wedding band. And he worked as a waiter to save money.
His first album was called Kemistry. It was released on its own at first. Then, in November 2001, he signed with Motown Records. This big record company re-released his album in 2003. Kemistry became very popular. It sold over 500,000 copies! This earned it a Gold certification from the RIAA. A Gold certification means an album has sold a lot of copies. His song "Love Calls" was a big hit from this album.
Kem's second album, Album II, came out in 2005. This album was even more successful. It sold over a million copies! This earned it a Platinum certification from the RIAA. One of its songs, "I Can't Stop Loving You," became a number one hit on urban adult contemporary radio. The album also featured the famous musician Stevie Wonder playing the harmonica on a song called "You Might Win."
In 2010, Kem released his third album, Intimacy: Album III. This album also did very well, earning another Gold certification.
Kem has also worked with other artists. In 2013, he was featured on a song called "My Favorite Thing." He performed this song with the American singer Ronald Isley. Kem also wrote and produced music for Ronald Isley.
His fourth album, Promise to Love, was released in 2014. A song from this album, "Nobody," was nominated for a Grammy Award. Kem even performed "Nobody" on the TV show Steve Harvey.
In 2020, Kem released his fifth album, Love Always Wins. This album included popular songs like "Lie To Me" and "Live Out Your Love." The song "Live Out Your Love" featured the singer Toni Braxton.
Music Albums
Kem has released several studio albums throughout his career. Here are some of his main albums:
- Kemistry (released in 2003): This was his first major album. It became a Gold-certified album.
- Album II (released in 2005): This album was a huge success and became Platinum-certified.
- Intimacy: Album III (released in 2010): This album also achieved Gold status.
- What Christmas Means (released in 2012): A special Christmas album.
- Promise to Love (released in 2014): His fourth studio album.
- Love Always Wins (released in 2020): His most recent studio album.
He has also released a live album called Anniversary – The Live Album in 2023. And an extended play (EP) called Full Circle in 2022.
Awards and Nominations
Kem has received several awards and nominations for his music:
- 2005: He won a Billboard Music Award for Top Adult R&B Single of the Year for his song "I Can't Stop Loving You."
- 2005: He was nominated for Top Adult R&B Artist of the Year at the Billboard Music Awards.
- 2011: He received two nominations at the 53rd Grammy Awards for "Why Would You Stay." These were for Best R&B Male Performance and Best R&B Song.
- 2014: He was nominated for Best Traditional R&B Performance at the 57th Grammy Awards for his song "Nobody."
See also
In Spanish: Kem (cantante) para niños
