Kenneth Kilgore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenneth Kilgore
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| Born | January 26, 1947 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
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| Died | April 14, 2011 (aged 64) |
| Occupation | Jazz musician |
| Years active | 1970–2010 |
Kenneth Kilgore was an amazing American jazz musician, a music leader, and a teacher. He was born on January 26, 1947, and passed away on April 14, 2011. In 1979, he started the Ambassadors' Concert Choir. This choir performed with many other musicians at different events. Kenneth Kilgore won several awards for his work. A bridge in Oklahoma City was even named after him a few years after he died.
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Kenneth Kilgore's Early Life and Education
Kenneth Kilgore was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on January 26, 1947. He grew up in the same city. His father, Leonard Kilgore, passed away when Kenneth was 16 years old. His mother was Lola Peters Kilgore. Kenneth was the youngest child in his family. He was the only child his parents had together.
He went to Douglass High School. After high school, he attended Bishop College in Dallas, Texas. There, he earned his first college degree.
Becoming a Teacher and Further Studies
In January 1969, Kenneth Kilgore started teaching. His first job was at Herald Elementary School in Oklahoma City. This school was mostly white at the time. Public schools in Oklahoma City were becoming racially integrated. This means students of all races were starting to attend the same schools. Kenneth Kilgore was the first Black teacher placed at Herald Elementary.
In the 1990s, Kilgore decided he wanted to learn even more. He went to Langston University in Oklahoma. He earned a Master of Education degree there. Later, he received a Doctorate in Educational Administration. He earned this higher degree from Oklahoma State University.
Kenneth Kilgore's Amazing Music Career
In 1970, Kenneth Kilgore became the Minister of Music. This important role was at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. He loved music and wanted to share it with others.
Founding the Ambassadors' Concert Choir
In 1979, he started something very special. He founded the Ambassadors' Concert Choir. This choir was part of St. John's Church. Kenneth Kilgore was also the artistic director for the choir. This meant he guided their performances.
In 1992, Kenneth Kilgore was honored for his musical talent. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. This is a big award for jazz musicians.
Choir Performances and Collaborations
His choir performed with many famous artists. In 1987, they performed in Mexico City. They sang with Luis Herrera de la Fuente and his Mineria Symphony Orchestra. They returned to Mexico City to perform again in 1991 and 1994.
In 1996, the Ambassadors' Concert Choir performed on national television. This was for the first anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. Their performance was a way to remember and heal. In 2002, the choir performed with country music star Vince Gill. This concert celebrated the dedication of the Oklahoma State Capitol dome. They also performed with famous opera singers. These singers included Simon Estes and Leona Mitchell.
Awards and Retirement
Kenneth Kilgore received many other awards. These included:
- The State of Oklahoma Arts Award.
- Oklahoma Musician of the Year from the Oklahoma Federation of Music Club.
- Arts & Letters Conducting Award from the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- Excellence in Performance from Langston University.
He retired from his work in 2010.
Kenneth Kilgore's Legacy
Kenneth Kilgore passed away on April 14, 2011. He died due to health problems.
A Bridge Named in His Honor
Two years after his death, a special honor was given to him. A bridge on Oklahoma City's Interstate 44 was named after him. It is called the Maestro Kenneth Kilgore Memorial Bridge. The dedication ceremony happened in August 2013. Music from the Ambassadors' Concert Choir was played at the event.
Politician Mike Shelton spoke about Kenneth Kilgore. He said:
I am very proud of his accomplishments and what he did to influence the musical arts in this state. His career was long, successful and left a legacy behind. We miss him to this day, but with this naming we all will be able to see his name on the highway on a daily basis. This sign going up will keep his memory alive for generations to come.
Kenneth Kilgore's work in music and education continues to inspire many people.
