#MyMusicStory by Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne

My most awesome musical experience came to light about mid 80’s when my landlord who was a good friend of mine told me to learn a song that she had heard on the radio.  At that time, she didn’t know the title of the song but told me that it was sung by Louie Armstrong.  I’m a big admirer of Mr. Armstrong, however at that time, I was more interested in Nat king Cole and his music.  I knew that it would be easier for me to sing songs by Nat than try to sound like Louie Armstrong.  So, I put her request on the back burner for months and every week when she would see me, she’d asked if I had learned that song by Louie art strong.  Months later, I found out the title of the song which was “What A Wonderful World” and tried to let her know in a nice way that, that particular song wasn’t for me.  Months went by and I told her that I would try to learn that song just for her and that I would perform it at my next gig.  One night, I was playing at the well-known ‘Trader Vics’ restaurant and she came up to me and requested that song.  That night, I had been filling a lot of requests, so I announced that my landlord was in the audience and had a special request. 

‘What a wonderful world’, to my surprise was a big hit for that evening.  Two days later, sadly, my friend and landlord passed away. At her funeral, her son told me that his mother before she passed on wanted to thank me for playing her favorite song.  I believe to this day that she was an angel who introduced me to one on the most beautiful and touching song that I’ve ever performed.

At many of my concert performances, as an encore with just me at the piano, I would dedicate this healing song to everyone in the audience and a standing ovation would occur as I ended the song.  I am so grateful that I took the time to learn that song because it brings back wonderful memories.

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Canadian ball-of-fire beacon of the blues scene Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne is set to add to his stack of multi-award winning albums with the release of Go, Just Do It! — available June 12, 2020 via Stony Plain Records. Soundcloud