Ken Whiteley
Ken Whiteley is one of Canada’s
pre-eminent performing artists. He’s been called a “playing encyclopaedia” for his vast repertoire, command of
a wide variety of styles (including blues, gospel, swing, folk and his own compositions), and his prodigious ability
on over a dozen instruments . His songs have been covered by half a dozen artists and his walls are adorned with
a dozen gold and multiple platinum records, but it is the immense joy that communicates from all his musical endeavors
that make his work so unique.
His performing career began in 1965 with a jugband that eventually became the Original Sloth Band. With the “Sloths,”
Ken performed all over North America, recorded three albums (now collector’s items) and appeared on Saturday Night
Live with Leon Redbone. In the seventies his instrumental skill began to be employed in the recording studio on
many albums and soon he began to occupy the producer’s chair. His groundbreaking work bringing the world of “roots”
music to children’s recording has seen his productions sell five million copies and lead him to be called “the
godfather of children’s music.” He has also produced recordings by people such as blues star John Hammond, Tom
Paxton, and a host of others. Two recent releases have both been nominated for Juno awards - “Where Old Friends
Meet” with Mose Scarlett and Jackie Washington; and his collaboration with brother Chris, “Bluesology” which was
a 1994 Juno nominee and winner of the Jazz Report “Blues Album of the Year” award.
Ken’s latest recorded work is called “Acoustic Eclectic” which is part of a 3-CD box set, “Three by Three: Old
Friends Meet Again.” As the title suggests, more than half a dozen styles are represented. There are some great
performances by Ken and a wonderful cast of musical friends including Jerry Douglas, Cathy Fink, Marcy Marxer,
and many others. He also wrote eleven of the sixteen songs. Whether on a recording or live, it is always a special
pleasure to share with him something done with such love and skill. As the Toronto Sun has said, “With Whiteley
our enjoyment is assured.”