Kenny Washington (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenny Washington
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| Background information | |
| Born | May 29, 1958 Staten Island, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums |
Kenny Washington, born on May 29, 1958, is an amazing American musician. He is best known as a jazz drummer, which means he plays the drums in a special style of music called jazz. He is also a talented music writer. Kenny was born in Staten Island, New York, and his brother, Reggie Washington, is also a musician who plays the bass.
Kenny grew up in a place called the Stapleton Houses and went to P.S. 14 for school. He later studied music at The High School of Music & Art, where he graduated in 1976. Over the years, Kenny has played drums with many famous jazz artists like Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Goodman, and Lionel Hampton. He also teaches music at two well-known schools: SUNY Purchase and The Juilliard School. Besides playing and teaching, Kenny writes articles about jazz musicians, both new and old, for many jazz album releases.
Contents
Kenny Washington's Musical Journey
Early Life and Education
Kenny Washington's musical journey began in Staten Island. He spent his childhood in the Stapleton Houses neighborhood. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in music. He attended P.S. 14 for his early schooling. Later, he went to a special high school called The High School of Music & Art. This school helps young people develop their talents in music and art. Kenny graduated from there in 1976, ready to pursue his passion for jazz.
Playing with Jazz Legends
Throughout his career, Kenny Washington has had the chance to play with some of the biggest names in jazz. A jazz drummer plays a very important role in a band, keeping the rhythm and adding exciting sounds. Kenny has performed with legendary musicians like Dizzy Gillespie, who was a famous trumpet player, and Benny Goodman, known as the "King of Swing" for his clarinet playing. He also played with Lionel Hampton, a fantastic vibraphonist and bandleader. These experiences helped Kenny become one of the most respected drummers in jazz.
Teaching and Writing
Beyond performing, Kenny Washington shares his knowledge and love for jazz with others. He is a professor at two very respected music schools: SUNY Purchase and The Juilliard School. At these schools, he teaches young, aspiring musicians how to play jazz drums and understand the music. Kenny also enjoys writing. He has written many essays about jazz musicians and the history of jazz music. These writings often appear in the liner notes of jazz albums, helping listeners learn more about the music and the artists.
Collaborations and Recordings
Kenny Washington has contributed his drumming skills to many jazz albums. When a musician plays on another artist's album, they are called a "sideman." Kenny has been a sideman on a large number of recordings, working with different bands and artists. These collaborations show how versatile and in-demand his drumming is in the jazz world.
- He recorded several albums with pianist Bill Charlap, including Stardust and Live at the Village Vanguard.
- Kenny also played on albums with famous saxophonists like Lee Konitz and Houston Person.
- He contributed to recordings by legendary singers such as Betty Carter and Etta Jones.
- His drumming can be heard on albums by the Mingus Dynasty, a group that plays the music of the famous bassist Charles Mingus.
These are just a few examples of the many recordings Kenny Washington has been a part of. His work helps keep the spirit of jazz alive and introduces it to new audiences.
