Roy Kenner
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Roy Kenner was born on January 14 1948, in Toronto, Canada. Kenner was the vocalist for The James Gang from 1972 until 1974. He joined the group after the departure of Joe Walsh and was with the band with guitarist Domenic Troiano and later Tommy Bolin.
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He was also with Domenic Troiano in a band called "Mandala" then " Bush " and sang on Domenics solo albums.
Mandala a popular R&B group was already established in Toronto with lead singer, George Oliver who left in 1967. Singer, Roy Kenner from the toronto band, The Associates, who had a regional hit ,'Without My Sweet Baby' quickly filled the vacancy. The new line-up became a popular act around town, which got them attention in the U.S. They appeared at the Philadelphia Music Festival, July 1968.
With the new members Mandala was increasing in popularity. Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun, apparently heard about the band from producer Phil Spector, released their 'Soul Crusade' album.
The band recorded six tracks at Atlantic Studios in New York, February 1968 including their single 'Love It-is/Mellow Carmello Pallumbo'. Mandala was planning to tour Canada to promote the record but the tour was delayed for four months (due to a car accident involving a member). Even though they were out of action, 'Soul Crusade' was gaining critical success. It became popular with the critics, but not a big seller for the band. Mandala played their final date at the Hawk's Nest, a club in Toronto, Canada on New Years day, 1969.
Then a rebirth. They brought in bass player Prakash John and made an album under the name, Bush, becoming very successful locally but splitting in 1971. Bush has since become legendary in Toronto's rock n roll history.
Kenner and Troiano went on to perform with The James Gang for several years after. Troiano leaving in 1973 to join the Guess Who with Kenner staying on with new recruit, Tommy Bolin. Bolin took the group in a new direction. He wrote and played on Bang!, and Miami then left in the middle of 1974. He made his name in Deep Purple replacing Jimmy Blackmore and by 1975 became a solo artist and star in his own right. Roy Kenner left the group and The James Gang folded.
He went back to Toronto worked on a TV pop musical variety show for a couple years then ended up working with Gary Peterson (drummer for the Guess Who) whom was working with an R&B band out of Philidelphia. Unfortunetly they failed to get a record contract. Then another Ohio band, LAW and Roy recorded a couple of albums with them until their popularity waned.
Then back to Toronto with Dominic Troianno (now solo) touring "Fret Fever". However, Kenner got frustrated with the fusion/jazz style of music and left.
Roy Kenner is currently doing jingles and voice-overs and working with a band in Toronto keeping a low profile.
NOTE* LISA DAL BELLO credits her success to her friend and mentor, Roy Kenner of the TV series Music Machine. He wrote the R&B influenced song Stand In Your Way on her debut album.
