Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenny Peagler
Hi Kenny, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Informal story:
I started out as a kid in Pittsburgh, just messing around on the piano. My parents forced me to take piano lessons. At first, it was all classical, but then I discovered jazz at the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts High School and it was like a whole new world opened up. I couldn’t get enough of it.
But I didn’t stop there. I got into R&B, soul, country, gospel – pretty much any style I could get my hands on. I guess you could say I’ve always been musically curious.
After high school, I headed to the New England Conservatory. That place really shaped me as a musician. It’s where I learned to blend all these different styles into my own sound.
Since then, it’s been a wild ride. I’ve played all over the world – from jazz festivals in Italy to concerts at Lincoln Center.
Now, I’m working on a new album called “Human.” It’s a big step for me because I’m not just playing piano this time – I’m singing too. We’ve got some incredible musicians on board, like Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten, Will Lee, Dean Brown, etc.
This album is really personal. It’s about all the ups and downs of life, you know? Love, loss, joy, pain – all the stuff that makes us human. I’m hoping people will hear their own stories in these songs.
So yeah, that’s my journey so far. From a kid plinking away on a piano in Pittsburgh to recording with some of the best in the business. It’s been quite a ride, and I’m excited to see where it goes next.
Heres a polished version of this story:
Kenny Peagler isn’t your average ivory-tickler. This Pittsburgh-born virtuoso has spent years hopscotching across genres like a musical chameleon on a caffeine high. From smoky jazz clubs to neon-lit country bars, gospel-filled churches to raucous rock venues, Peagler’s fingers have danced across keys in more settings than most musicians see in a lifetime.
“I’ve always been a musical omnivore,” Peagler chuckles, his eyes twinkling with the memories of a thousand gigs. “One night I’m laying down honky-tonk licks in Nashville, the next I’m swinging with a big band in New York. It keeps me on my toes.”
This genre-bending journey has taken Peagler far beyond the steel city of his youth. He’s graced stages from the hallowed halls of Lincoln Center to the sun-drenched streets of the Umbria Jazz Festival. Hell, he even tickled the ivories for Obama at the NAACP Bicentennial Celebration. “That was surreal,” Peagler admits with a grin. “I kept thinking, ‘Don’t screw up, don’t screw up.'”
But it’s Peagler’s upcoming album, “Human,” that’s set to catapult him into a new stratosphere of artistry. Produced by multi-Grammy winner Poogie Bell, it’s a star-studded affair. “This album is me stepping out from behind the piano,” Peagler explains.
“Human” promises to be a genre-defying tapestry, weaving together threads of jazz, R&B, and soul into something uniquely Peagler. “It’s about the full spectrum of human experience,” he muses. “The highs, the lows, the in-betweens. I want people to hear their own stories in these songs.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Well, I’ve been pretty fortunate in some ways. Financially, it’s been relatively smooth sailing. I’ve worked as a Minister of Music at some large churches, which has provided an amazing income, which let me acquire quite a bit of investments.
But that doesn’t mean it’s all been easy street. The biggest challenges? Time management, for sure. Juggling contractual responsibilities, gigs, studio work, and my own projects – it’s like trying to keep a dozen plates spinning at once.
Writing has been another hurdle. It’s one thing to play other people’s music, but putting your own thoughts and feelings out there? That’s a whole different ballgame. It takes time, vulnerability, and a lot of coffee.
And then there’s the quest to find the right musicians. I’ve been lucky to work with some incredible talents, but getting schedules to align and finding people who really get your vision – that’s not always easy.
So yeah, while I’m grateful for the financial stability, making this album has definitely had its challenges. But honestly? Those struggles are what make it all worthwhile. They’re part of the journey, you know? And I think they’ve made the music better in the end.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a bit of a musical chameleon, really. My foundation is as a pianist, but I’ve branched out into composing, arranging, and now singing and songwriting. I specialize in blending genres – jazz, R&B, soul, gospel, even some classical and country influences. It’s all fair game in my world.
I’m known for my versatility. One day I might be laying down some smooth jazz licks, the next I’m arranging a gospel choir, and then I’m in the studio working on a pop track. I think that’s what sets me apart – the ability to speak many musical languages fluently.
As for what I’m most proud of, it’s got to be my upcoming album, “Human”. It’s the culmination of everything I’ve learned and experienced in my musical journey. For the first time, I’m not just playing or arranging – I’m singing my own songs, telling my own stories. And I’ve got some incredible musicians on board – we’re talking Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten, folks like that. It’s humbling and exciting to work with such talents.
What really sets this album apart, I think, is its honesty. It’s not just about showcasing musical skill – though there’s plenty of that. It’s about exploring what it means to be human, with all the joy, pain, love, and loss that entails. I’m laying it all out there, both musically and lyrically.
But beyond the album, I’m proud of the connections I’ve made through music. Whether it’s playing at a jazz festival in Italy, performing for President Obama, or leading worship at a local church, music has this incredible power to bring people together. Being part of that, facilitating those connections – that’s what it’s all about for me.
So yeah, I guess you could say I specialize in musical diversity, in bringing different styles and influences together. But at the end of the day, what I really do is try to tell stories and create experiences through music. That’s my passion, my mission, and hopefully, what I’ll be known for.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Absolutely, I’ve been fortunate to have a network of incredible people who have supported me throughout my journey. My mentors have played a crucial role, offering guidance, wisdom, and encouragement at every step. They helped me navigate the complexities of the music industry, offering advice that has shaped both my personal and professional growth.
Supporters, including my family and close friends, have always believed in me, even during moments when I doubted myself. Their unwavering faith gave me the strength to keep pushing forward, even when things were tough.
I’ve also been lucky to work with some amazing teammates and collaborators—fellow musicians, producers, and industry professionals—who have shared my vision and passion. Their talent, creativity, and dedication have been instrumental in bringing my projects to life.
Clients and fans have also played a huge role in my success. Their love for my music and their constant support have fueled my drive to keep creating and striving for excellence.
Each of these individuals has contributed to my journey in a unique way, and I’m deeply grateful for their impact on my life and career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kennypeagler.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennypeagler/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennypeagler
- Twitter: https://x.com/kennypeagler
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kennypeagler
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kennypeagler
