CHRIS KENNER

Biography

Chris Kenner (December 25, 1929 – January 25, 1976) was a pivotal figure in New Orleans rhythm and blues, both as a singer and a songwriter. Born in Kenner, Louisiana, he grew up singing gospel in his father's church choir before moving to New Orleans as a teenager, where he worked as a longshoreman and began writing secular music. His early career was rooted in gospel, but by the mid-1950s, Kenner had shifted to R&B, recording his first singles for Baton Records and then Imperial Records, where his song 'Sick and Tired' became a regional hit and was later popularized nationally by Fats Domino.

Kenner's breakthrough came in the early 1960s after teaming up with pianist and arranger Allen Toussaint at Instant Records. Together, they produced 'I Like It Like That,' which soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961 and became a gold record. He followed this with 'Something You Got' and the enduring classic 'Land of 1000 Dances,' both of which were widely covered by artists across genres. Despite his songwriting success, Kenner's career was hampered by personal struggles, including alcoholism and legal issues, which led to a prison sentence in the late 1960s. He attempted a comeback after his release in 1973 but was unable to regain his earlier prominence. Kenner died in New Orleans in 1976, leaving a legacy as one of the Crescent City's great unsung musical innovators.

Fun Facts

• Kenner's song 'Land of 1000 Dances' has been covered by dozens of artists, including Cannibal & the Headhunters, Patti Smith, and Thee Midniters.
• He began his musical journey singing gospel in his father's church choir before transitioning to R&B.
• Despite writing several enduring hits, Kenner struggled with stage presence and personal issues, which limited his commercial success.
• His biggest hit, 'I Like It Like That,' sold over a million copies and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dave Bartholomew - Producer and early supporter; gave Kenner the chance to record for Imperial Records, helping launch his professional career. ('Sick and Tired') [1957]

Key Collaborators

• Allen Toussaint - Pianist, arranger, and producer; collaborated closely on Kenner's biggest hits at Instant Records. ('I Like It Like That', 'Something You Got') [1961-1963]

Artists Influenced

• Wilson Pickett - Covered and popularized Kenner's 'Land of 1000 Dances', turning it into a soul standard. ('Land of 1000 Dances') [1966]
• Fats Domino - Covered Kenner's 'Sick and Tired', bringing it to a wider pop audience. ('Sick and Tired') [1958]
• The Dave Clark Five - Covered 'I Like It Like That', achieving chart success in the UK and US. ('I Like It Like That') [1965]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I Like It Like That (Full Metal Jacket (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack))
2. Land of 1000 Dances (University Bands: To the Summit)
3. I Like It Like That - Pt. 1 (Land Of 1,000 Dances (US Internet Release))
4. Sick And Tired - Remastered (The Big Beat Of Dave Bartholomew: 20 Milestone Dave Bartholomew Productions 1949-1960)
5. I Like It Like That
6. Land of 1000 Dances - Remastered (Performing All His Hits! (Remastered))
7. Land of 1000 Dances (The Spirit & the Pride of Pennsylvania! 2013)
8. I Like It Like That (VINYL: Music From The HBO® Original Series - Vol. 1)
9. Land of a 1,000 Dances (Land Of 1,000 Dances (US Internet Release))
10. Something You Got (Land Of 1,000 Dances (US Internet Release))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz