Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne is Inspired by the Blues

Delivers a Thrill on Blueberry Hill

Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne will release his new CD, Inspired by the Blues, out October 26 on Stony Plain Records, and one highlight of the CD has to be the history lesson that is “Mr. Blueberry Hill.”

A veteran blues and boogie piano player and three-time Juno Award (Canada’s Grammy), winner, Wayne’s main influences include Fats Domino and Ray Charles. The new disc, Inspired by the Blues, features 11 original songs, plus a live bonus track of Kenny performing “Georgia on My Mind.” Special guests include harp master Billy Branch, guitar legend Duke Robillard and long-time B.B. King bassist Russell Jackson

The “Blues Boss” told Elmore, “I never got the opportunity to meet Fats Domino in person, and I tried many times; I have always loved his music and how he put his stamp on songs written by others. That song, ‘Blueberry Hill,’ which was performed by several other prominent musicians prior to being Fats Domino’s biggest hit, was the song that skyrocketed him to stardom and – of course – many of his own songs sustained his popularity. I remember seeing a video where Dave Bartholomew introduced Fats as ‘Mr. Blueberry Hill,’ which inspired me to write a song about ‘Mr. Blueberry Hill.’ I mention in the song that he ‘rocks and he rolls and satisfied our souls,’ and that is exactly what he did for me and many others for many years. ‘Mr. Blueberry Hill’ is ‘where the willow blows on Blueberry Hill.’”

Now based in Kelowna, BC, Wayne is rarely home: he’s touring in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. His bass-heavy boogie piano work and his original songs make for powerful live performances—but let’s not forget the flashy splendor of his boldly colored, French couture stage suits. Sacre Bleu!