Kevin Mahogany

Kevin Bryant Mahogany (July 30, 1958 – December 17, 2017) was an American jazz vocalist who became prominent in the 1990s. He was known for his scat singing, and his singing style has been compared with jazz singers Billy Eckstine, Joe Williams and Johnny Hartman.

Early years

Mahogany began his study of music as a child with piano and later learned to play the clarinet and baritone saxophone, performing with jazz bands and teaching music while still in high school. "When I was a kid, music was just as important as English and math in our household" says Mahogany. "In fact piano lessons were a grade school staple for the whole family." Mahogany attended Baker University, where he performed with both instrumental and vocal ensembles and formed a vocal jazz group. In 1981, Mahogany received his BFA in Music and English Drama.

Performing

After graduating, Mahogany returned to Kansas City where he attracted a local following in the 1980s performing with his groups, "The Apollos" and "Mahogany". In 1991, he was featured on a CD by Frank Mantooth.

His first CD as a solo artist was Double Rainbow which was released in 1993. This was followed by the self-titled album Kevin Mahogany, which gained positive attention in the media, prompting Newsweek to call Mahogany "the standout jazz vocalist of his generation."

Mahogany appeared in Robert Altman's film Kansas City (1996), playing a character said to be based on Kansas City singer Big Joe Turner.

Kevin Mahogany listed his vocal influences as Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Al Jarreau and Eddie Jefferson. As a jazz educator, Mahogany taught at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and the University of Miami.

Death

Mahogany died on December 17, 2017, at the age of 59. Cause of death was not given.

Discography

With Enja Records