About Me
KEN WHITELEY is one of Canada's most respected roots musician, songwriter and recording producer. His musical journey has taken him from jug band, folk and swing to blues, gospel and children's music. Recognized as a gifted GUITARIST and MANDOLINIST, Ken's musical cohorts affectionately refer to him as a "playing encyclopedia" for his vast repertoire, depth and range of playing styles, and his prodigious ability on over 20 instruments. Over the years, Ken has performed with a diverse group of musical legends from Pete Seeger and Odetta to Lonnie Johnson. He has also recorded with John Hammond Jr., Tom Paxton, Guy Davis, The Campbell Brothers, Blind John Davis, Stan Rogers, Penny Lang, Raffi, Nancy Cassidy, Fred Penner, Al Simmons and countless others.The first Canadian invited to the presitgious CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL, Ken's more than 200 festival appearances across North America have included folk, blues and children's festivals in Philadelphia, Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg. He is well known by generations of Canadians from his many TV appearances ranging from the legendary MR. DRESSUP to SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE with Leon Redbone. Collaborations with his brother Chris (The WHITELEY BROTHERS) and old friends Jackie Washington and Mose Scarlett (SCARLETT, WASHINGTON & WHITELEY) have resulted in a wonderful collection of recordings, garnering high praise, successful tours and several awards.Ken's popular SUNDAY AFTERNOON GOSPEL SERIES at Hugh's Room in Toronto has been running now for 6 years and in that time has featured an amazing and musically diverse selection of both local and international award winning artists. Whether you are coming for the spiritual experience, or for the terrific music, Ken's gospel shows always promise to be an accessible and exciting blend of styles and appropriate for music lovers of all ages. Recorded during the 2004 series, Ken's GOSPEL MAKES ME FEEL ALRIGHT! CD continues to be a best seller at the concerts.Ken's current "solo" recording ONE WORLD DANCE is a bold expansion of the music that has made Ken one of Canada's best-loved performers. This CD is firmly rooted in tradition, yet takes blues music to places it's never been. It received a Canadian Folk Music Awards nomination for the “Solo Artist of the Year†category and the Canadian Maple Blues' Blues With A Feeling Award nomination. The first track "Everybody Has the Blues" received the OCFF Songs from the Heart Award for best original song.As an award winning SONGWRITER and PRODUCER, Ken's songs have been covered by numerous artists and his recording studio walls are adorned with a dozen GOLD & PLATINUM RECORDS. He has been acknowledged for his significant contributions to the Canadian roots music scene with The Estelle Klein Lifetime Achievement Award (2005) and The Mariposa Folk Festival's Hall of Fame Award (2008). Other accolades include a GENIE Award for Best Original Song in A Motion Picture, Jazz Report Blues Album of the Year Award and numerous Canadian Folk Music, Canadian JUNO, American GRAMMY, Canadian Maple Blues, Parent's Choice, Children's Web, Our Choice, United Way Communication Gold awards and nominations. Not one to rest on his musical laurels, Ken recently produced recordings for Steve Eulberg, Aaron Griggs, Theo Heras, Chris McKhool, Arthur Renwick, Jay Sewall, Kristin Sweetland and Deborah Van Kleef.
