Inspiring Conversations with Kenneth Reyes of Kenny Kings Music

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Reyes.

Hi Kenneth, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I, Kenny Kings was born as Kenneth A. Reyes Irizarry in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. At the age of 3 my family relocated to Orlando FL. I lived with both mom, dad and 2 older brothers. I was known by family and friends as Kenny. I was raised in an environment of music and surrounded by many talented musicians. My dad, known as Cuco Reyes started as a percussionist and is a retired pianist today. At a really young age I was introduced to music. My dad would perform at my weddings, social gatherings and music festival. He would bring me as a toddler on stage and have me beside him in a stroller. My oldest brother Alberto also became a percussionist. At the age of 7, I started showing more interest in music. Looking at my dad and my older brother performing, I started picking up details. They became my secret mentors, I looked up to them. Many times I would mess around with my brother’s drums and pretty much with time taught myself how to play. My mom Edna would take me to church and I would perform in the church band during service. My dad had an 11 piece band where he would invite me on stage to do a solo on Timbales. Everyone loved seeing a little kid perform. I never took music class in school until freshman year. I entered the school’s marching band. Started with the xylophone, then changed to bass drum and then played the quints. I wasn’t able to continue after the first year because I had a difficult time learning to read music. Although not being able to read music I didn’t let my passion and determination stop me there. I was told by many that I was given a gift. I am able to play by ear. I can hear a song and memorize it and perform it. With time I became a full percussionist being able to play so many instruments on my own. I started performing as a young adult with small bands in the area. I would be subcontracted to perform at Disney Springs (previously known as Downtown Disney) as well as Disney Animal Kingdom. Later on a friend gave me the stage name Kenny Kings because my last name Reyes symbolizes Kings in spanish. I continue to perform and work at many clubs and restaurants where I eventually found my now wife Jasmin and am married to her today and share a beautiful family together. My wife was always supportive of my music. She worked in the wedding industry and she knew I had a gift and a very special talent. She motivated me to continue and move forward with my dreams and aspirations. They talked on how they can make a living out of my one and only passion. During the pandemic Jasmin decided to manage my music career. Focusing on being a solo musician and delivering a unique experience to our clients. They decided to work on a unique look and setup to his instruments that will draw attention. They incorporated LED lights and unique touches to his wardrobe. Today, I am performing at many weddings, social gatherings and corporate events. Doing what I love best and bringing a wow Factor experience like no other to your event.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not being able to read music was a major obstacle . Many doors closed on opportunities presented to me once they knew I wasn’t able to read music. I knew the road ahead was going to be a struggle but I only wanted to be given a chance. An opportunity to show what I had to give.

As you know, we’re big fans of Kenny Kings Music. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
For those who really want to impress and entertain their guests by adding a little something extra to their event and deliver a Wow Factor, I provided an up-tempo percussion beats bringing you an epic show experience for Hora Loca/ Crazy Hour. It’s fun, exciting and a memorable way to surprise everyone. I perform over the music the DJ is playing. Giving it a live feel to it. Gets people on the dance and ready to party.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t give up!! Not being able to read music may have been a major challenge but it definitely didn’t stop me. I remember posting on FB a video of me doing one of my solo performances and I got a comment from someone I didn’t know and he happened to be a music teacher from NYC. He said “After seeing my video I changed his perspective of what he always told his students, He told them to learn to read music and to be able to perform with other musicians because no one ever wants to see a solo musician.” That day he realized he was wrong. He shared that he enjoyed seeing my video of my performance. I thanked him and I shared with him that I don’t read music. He was in complete shock and said “He will no longer tell his students they can’t perform if they can’t read music.

Don’t let no one dim the light that shines within you.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@kennykingsmusic.com
• Website: www.kennykingsmusic.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/kennykingsmusic
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kennykingsmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-RQKLInGUZwmWtOlC0hW4w

Image Credits
Chris Gillyard