[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 164 (Friday, October 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 6, 2023

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize the 
musical achievements of Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
  Kenny received his first guitar from his grandmother at the age of 
four and began to play the guitar in earnest at age seven. It is here 
when he began his love of the American genre of blues. With a 
Stratocaster electric guitar replica, he taught himself to play one 
note at a time. Growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, he was exposed to 
music that influenced his relentless pursuit of his guitar skills and 
love of this art form. From Elvis to Ledbelly, the combination of 
country, blues, and rock which flowed through his hometown created the 
musician we hear today. His parents brought all varieties of music into 
his home, which deepened his appreciation for the talents and stylings 
of other artists. From Hank Williams, James Brown, and Crosby Stills 
Nash and Young to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert King, these artists 
were the foundation of the musical talents we all enjoy today from 
Kenny Wayne.
  At a very young age, Kenny's father brought John Lee Hooker and Muddy 
Waters to Shreveport to p]ay. This was the moment that turned on the 
light of blues music in Kenny Wayne's life. Kenny's father, Ken, 
remembers his son playing his electric guitar with headphones on 
listening to CDs of John Lee Hooker, B.B King and Howling Wolf. Kenny 
was able to pick up by ear the unique aspects of American blues music. 
Stevie Ray Vaughan asked a young Kenny Wayne if he would like to watch 
from the side of the stage during his concert and on that night the 
impact of this incredible guitar virtuoso was ingrained in a 7-year-old 
aspiring musician.
  Chris Layton, who played drums in Stevie Ray's band, Double Trouble, 
later became the drummer for the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band. He 
remembers the exceptional talents of Kenny when he heard some of his 
earliest recordings. Chris was deeply impressed by Kenny's 
determination, focus and dedication to his craft.
  Kenny had the opportunity to travel with his father to many different 
music venues, where he played to a variety of audiences. Many folks 
began to point out the remarkable talent that he displayed. Bill 
Pfordresher, a record producer, told Kenny's father that they should 
cut a record. Ken Shepherd had three rules for Kenny. First, that he 
must finish high school before he would allow him to pursue music full 
time. Ken's second rule was once music was no longer fun for Kenny he 
could stop at any time. The final rule was Kenny had to be involved in 
every business decision that was made about his career. They, then 
called in some favors from friends and recorded a record in New Orleans 
which quickly took off. Kenny now found himself as the opening act for 
the Eagles.
  Kenny's circumstances in his career success were unique. He and his 
dad were a father-son team and Kenny was not the lead singer in the 
early days of his band. Kenny was able to overcome these challenges and 
continue on an upward path of success, while maintaining a strong 
relationship with his father. Kenny Wayne became a remarkable 
songwriter who has honed his guitar skills around amazing songs. His 
songwriting chops and collaborations are as good as it gets.
  Kenny Wayne's talents were a magnet to very accomplished songwriting 
collaborators. Record Executive Jeff Aldrich surrounded Kenny Wayne 
with a crack team of collaborators including Mark Selby, Tia Sillers 
and Danny Tate. They were welcomed like family as the songs on the 
albums Ledbetter Heights and Trouble is . . . were written and 
recorded, and helped him reach his true potential as a musician. The 
emotional power of Kenny's songwriting is probably no stronger than in 
the song ``I Found Love.''
  Kenny has been a leader in involving women in his path to success, 
from Tia Sillers as a leading songwriter to Kristin Forbes in leading 
Team Kenny Wayne Shepherd. His co-manager for over 20 years, Kristin 
Forbes has played an incredibly vital role in Kenny Wayne's career. She 
has known Kenny since she worked at his record company early in his 
career. Kristin and Kenny's father have directed the team that has laid 
down the path of success. She is a highly skilled leader and a 
thoughtful voice of balance for Kenny, Ken and the band.
  Kenny is a trailblazer, who, along with a cadre of incredible 
accompanying musicians, amazing songwriters, and the perfect mix of 
vocals, is an icon in American music. Kenny continues to expand his 
musical horizons and skills, including his own vocals.
  As important as Kenny's musical talents is his complete dedication to 
his wife, Hannah, and his six beloved children. He is a remarkable 
father and role model for his family. He and his wife have made it 
their life's work to ensure limitless possibilities for their children 
by nurturing their interests, talents, and abilities in every 
imaginable way. Kenny is selflessly humble and appreciative of all 
those around him who have been a part of his path to success. He is 
ceaseless with giving credit to his parents, his hometown, his 
upbringing, and friends and family in helping him along the way.
  Our nation is grateful for Kenny's passion, commitment to his musical 
skills and his love of family and his fellow musicians in his continued 
journey to share his talents with folks here and around the world. 
American blues is a unique genre of music that captures the soul of our 
country, and Kenny is a rare, and irreplaceable part of that emotion. 
He is the quintessential artist and creator. I thank Kenny Wayne 
Shepherd, for music that has and will continue to inspire generations 
to come, for his devotion to family, fellow artists, associates and 
friends, and for his goodness and kindheartedness. May God continue to 
continue to bless him and his family, team and bandmates.

                          ____________________