After 30 Years in The Music Industry, Kevin Flournoy, a Writer, Pianist, Composer, and Producer, is Now Taking His Music to The Next Level with His New Single, "Tell Me If You Still Care," Featuring Phil Perry & Shannon Pearson!   

 Interview by: Gina Sedman

Kevin Flournoy is one of this generation's most humble and kind celebrities. Apart from his talent, his exemplary character and kind nature could win him an "Oscar" if there was a category for the "kindest celebrity in the industry."  

The multi-talented producer, composer, and classically trained pianist Kevin Flournoy has over 30 years of experience in the music and entertainment business. He has recorded, written, or performed with Chaka Khan, Babyface, Dionne Warwick, Gladys Knight, The Pointer Sisters, Jennifer Hudson, Howard Hewett, Jeffrey Osborne, The Jazz Crusaders, Boney James, Norman Brown, Kirk Whalum, Jamie Foxx, and Harvey Mason, as well as other contemporary jazz greats. He also spent six years touring with Donny Osmond in the 2000s.  

As a designer of music and recording artists in his own right, Kevin continues to create new masterpieces that will inspire music lovers for years to come. I was blessed to talk with Kevin about his journey in the music business, and here's what he shared. 

Kevin, it is a pleasure to speak with you today. I appreciate your time. Thank you for having me. I'm excited to be here today. 

It is my pleasure. May I ask where you currently reside and where you grew up? I live in Chatsworth, a place in Los Angeles County about 5 miles north of Woodland Hills. I have lived in many places in LA. I was born in South Central, LA, and grew up in San Diego. I moved from South Central LA when I was three.  

Great! Which school did you go to? I attended Mira Mesa High School in San Diego and later attended UCSD in La Jolla. I have lived in San Diego and Los Angeles throughout my life and career. 

I love La Jolla and the downtown area of San Diego! There are also some great spots for jazz performances, such as Humphreys. Yeah, I recently played at Humphreys. Sometimes, I'll go back into town to play at some of those spots. I am working on new music and plan to host a CD release party at Humphreys in March. 

Kevin, you have many exciting things planned for the next few months. Would you mind sharing a remarkable experience in your life in which God played an important role that you would like to share? I've been blessed with a gift. Everyone around me who works in the entertainment industry has their own unique talents. Even if we all play the same instruments, there are unique ways that we approach and present our music. So, I am grateful for this gift, which is God-given.   

Also, throughout my career, I have had the privilege of learning from older, more experienced musicians. When I was around 15 and playing jazz, I had the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the greatest musicians of all time. Count Basie and Miles Davis were two musicians who imparted knowledge to me on how to survive in the music industry. Their advice didn't always make sense to me at the time, but as I got older, I began to understand the wisdom behind their words. The month I spent with Max Roach, who was an infamous drummer, remains one of my most memorable experiences. These encounters have been invaluable to me as a musician. 

It is truly a blessing to have been able to have one-on-one encounters with some of the most excellent jazz musicians of all time. This is a gift from God. Speaking of miracles, have you ever experienced something so miraculous that you knew it was only possible because God answered your prayers? Yes, consistently. I say consistently because many things have happened over time. It is very difficult to survive in this business, especially when you are just starting because you have no reputation. You have to build that from scratch.  

Unlike people who work regular 9 to 5 jobs and can rely on getting their paychecks on a specific day, things are different in the music industry, especially for musicians. Getting paid may or may not happen, and it's not systematic like in other jobs. (laughs)   

Despite everything, it's a miracle that I'm still around in this industry (laughs), and it's equally impressive that after all these years, I've been able to afford to pay for this and that or buy a particular instrument. The fact that all of these things can be accomplished under these circumstances is nothing short of a miracle. 

That's right, I agree. I believe in God's goodness, and these are real miracles! God blesses His children with many blessings, but we may not see them until we look at life through the lens of gratitude. Then, we can realize all that God has done for us. Mr. Flournoy, you are excellent at everything you do. However, what would you be doing today if music never existed? When I was in college, I pursued two interests: music and electrical engineering. I completed my BS in electrical engineering and pursued music. During my college years, I completed two internships and worked on a project for NASA that involved advanced math and physics. After graduation, I was offered a job in San Diego, so I planned to become a professor and teach mathematics. Thus, I intended to move up north to continue my studies in mathematics. So, if music had not been part of my life, I would have fully committed to my academic career. 

Congratulations on such a noble accomplishment, becoming educated and receiving your BS in electrical engineering. Thank you.   

It's my pleasure, so tell me, Mr. Flournoy. As a hard worker, what do you enjoy doing in your quiet space? I work a lot, but playing the piano in my quiet space is soothing. I particularly enjoy playing classical music as it calms my nerves. Although playing the piano is connected to my work, it's different because it's not connected to my work when I'm playing for myself. In simpler terms, it's not about making money or giving presentations. It's about doing something I enjoy that helps me relax. Because of the nature of my business, I've been fortunate enough to travel all over the world. Whenever I arrive in a new country, I drop my bags off at the hotel and immediately go out for a walk. I love exploring new places in this way.   

The band I'm part of has a running joke about me being the go-to person for recommendations on what to do in the evenings. They'll often say, "If you need something to do at night, ask Kevin - he knows all the best spots!" I've walked around many different places and still love traveling. 

Exploring is so much fun! Love it! Ok, Kevin, your father inspired you and your siblings to learn instruments as children. Because you are classically trained in piano and contemporary organ, I wanted to ask you about your childhood experience. As a young person, staying focused when learning an instrument can be difficult, especially when friends invite you to play outside or hang out. What challenges did you face when mastering these instruments at a young age while juggling your other childhood activities? Yeah. And you're right. Everybody was outside playing. As a child, I was required to practice an hour a day, which was forever. I remember watching the clock. But I survived. Because I had a passion for music, I wanted to play, but I didn't want to have a specific time-stamped to it.   

When you take lessons, you have to rehearse the scales and learn how to play correctly, and that's the part that I found challenging because it's boring. It can become boring if that is not your passion. I was more passionate about becoming a producer and writer. As a child, the challenge for me was playing every day for a fixed amount of time while everyone else was out having fun. (laughs) 

You want to leave, but the hour seems to crawl by slowly. Although it may seem like an eternity, later in life, you will appreciate the time you spent practicing because it will become clear that the time you invested in learning early on was what propelled you ahead.  

Certainly! Though I don't believe that practice alone can lead to perfection, it can bring great benefits. A Wise person never stops at where they have arrived; they are always searching for unsealed cracks that water can flow through and flaws that need to be addressed. This is called humility, which means that a person is always aware that there is room for growth and improvement. That's awesome. So, could you please share with me what your initial connection to your professional career was? When I was younger, I used to get invited to perform and participate in community events. Occasionally, these opportunities would come with a small payment, but since there were usually ten of us competing for the same amount of money, it was never much. 

The professional presentation came while in college. I got backed by an organization that was managing Muhammad Ali. I had written an entire record, and the record companies were coming from LA to see me perform with the group and listen to the music. That happened early during my college years. And during that time, I started playing professionally, we call it "gigging."  

In La Jolla, there was a place called "Chuck's Steakhouse" located on a street called Prospect. This place was close to the college where I attended. During those days, the restaurant would book you for four nights a week, and they always had a singer. At that time, singers like Anita Baker and Whitney Houston were extremely popular, and because I was classically trained and doing jazz, I knew how to play many pop songs, but I didn’t have the range in repertoire that I had in jazz music. I remember trying to get through the gig with my notes. It was a whole new world for me, but it was the beginning of my professional journey. 

Awesome! Okay, so you were quite young when you started. Life provides numerous opportunities to learn, even for the most intelligent minds in our world. Out of all the artists you've had the privilege of working with, is there anything you've learned from a particular artist that you would like to share? Yes, I have a story to share. My professor at UCSD, Jimmy Cheatham, was a professor and an artist along with his wife, Jeannie Cheatham. Jimmy played jazz trombone, and Jeannie was a singer. They would even go to the UK to perform during the summer when school was out. So, when I was around 18 or 19, Jimmy called me and a couple of other promising musicians into his office. He provided us with valuable advice and tips on how to play our instruments, emphasizing the importance of being able to perform professionally post-graduation, as people would hire us to play for them. 

Regarding myself, I wanted to learn how to play solos and accompany vocalists. My teacher taught me about time, space, inhaling, and exhaling and demonstrated it to me. So, I learned those techniques well, and after graduation, I got opportunities to work with vocalists. I used the methods my teacher taught me, they worked perfectly, and I was getting a lot of work. Also, Mr. Cheatham was connected. He was out of New York and knew Count Basie and Miles Davis. They were his people, so he brought them to our school when we were young to give us that experience.   

As a young man, did you ever feel like you were on top of the world and thought you knew everything but soon got schooled and embarrassed because you were getting a bit of a big head? Then, you realized that you still had so much more to learn. Yes. It occurred while I was taking lessons. After high school, many of us joined the big band at UCSD. It was one of our first gatherings. We all thought we were good, but one day, during rehearsal for "Wind Machine," where I was doing a piano solo, the professor stopped in the middle of my performance and asked, "What are you doing? What are you playing?" I was embarrassed and didn't know how to respond. He then asked, "What are you listening to?" and criticized my playing in front of everyone. He asked me to step aside and let someone else play. It was a valuable lesson I learned right at the beginning - that I was doing too much on the piano. 

I am sure that the experience you had was a valuable lesson that you will never forget. I have had many similar moments, and I am grateful for each one. Ultimately, the most important question to ask is whether you learned something from it. If you did, then the embarrassment was worth it. Your story is excellent! Moving on, what is left for you to accomplish out of all the goals you have achieved thus far? What is your heart still beating for? My heart beats for the chapter that I'm currently working on. As a music producer and keyboard player, I have had the opportunity to work with some iconic singers. While this has been one of my career goals, it's not my ultimate aspiration. I also produce music for other singers, which was another dream of mine, but even that is not my ultimate goal. Producing has just been something I'm comfortable doing.  

Now, I'm on a journey where I'm releasing my songs, and that's a significant accomplishment for me. I have a lot of new music that's getting ready to be released, and that will be a very fulfilling experience for me.  

Absolutely, I know the feeling. It's as if you can leave this world feeling satisfied after that. That's right. "Tell Me If You Still Care," featuring Phil Perry, has done well! We're off to a good start here, and more will follow. Choosing Phil Perry to be on this song was a wise decision.  

Yes! Phil Perry is an incredible vocalist, the kind I call a "vocal beast"! He was the perfect choice for that song. I loved it back then, and I love it even more now. Great job, well done! He's also a wise man from whom you can learn a lot. I love it! I had the opportunity to play with some talented artists while starting my career in LA. As part of my musical journey, I contacted some of them and asked them to be on my record. Regarding Phil Perry, he brought so much more than just his vocal abilities to the table. Watching him perform the song without having to say anything to him was a pleasure. I loved how he not only presented the song with professionalism and passion but also acted it out. This allowed the audience to see the song come to life right before their eyes. Sometimes, when working with the younger ones, you have to groom them into knowing how to present and look when we're recording. But with somebody like Phil Perry, he already knew what to do, and it was just incredible working with him. 

Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. OK. So, as well as talent, what are your thoughts regarding the importance of good character having good character, and integrity in this business? And can you give me any examples of how it has been beneficial to you in your life? It's extremely important to have good character because it directly affects the amount of return business you receive. I know individuals who lack good character, and as a result, their business has dwindled over the years, leading them to despair. However, if you make it a priority to treat people well, they will likely return. I, for one, have many returning customers. 

As the producer, I understand that music is an emotional business, and people often have a deep attachment to their songs. However, sometimes things go differently than planned, which can be challenging for them to deal with. In these situations, some people may vent their frustrations on anyone in the room, which can be difficult to handle.  

It's important to maintain your composure and not react negatively or defensively. It's common for this kind of situation to happen, so it's best to stay calm and respectful. By handling it professionally, people may come back to you and even refer others to your services. So, always aim to keep a good character and handle things positively. 

Kevin, you're lovely, and I'm sure people love working with you. Regarding selection, what criteria do you use to select artists to collaborate with, and what style, tone, and vocal performance interests you the most? Over time, my criteria for selecting people to work with have changed. I have worked with many people, which has been an exciting experience. It's fascinating that you mentioned vocal tone. As a musician, I am always looking for something special, and often, that special thing comes from the tone. Every singer has a unique tone, which is familiar but different. Without seeing the person, you can tell who it is by their tone and style. This is not an everyday thing, and that's why I value it so much. I am always looking for that unique quality, and that's why I reached out to Phil. I love working with such people, and I am honored to be able to watch and learn from them. As a musician, I understand the importance of discerning this quality and capturing it in a way that's consumable to people. 

Absolutely. Have you ever turned down projects that didn't align with your moral values, or was money always the deciding factor? I was asked to join some tours in the past when hip-hop was becoming popular. But I declined because I chose a different path for myself. Some people may dabble in that, but I decided to leave it alone because even though the money was there, it wasn't the right experience or environment for me. Interestingly, the person who asked me to join the tour called me back and said it might not fit me, and I agreed. (laughs) 

You're right; I get it. It's a decision I would have made as well (laughs). I place little importance on money. I love my peace more. I specialize in high-end recording, and sometimes artists believe they are prepared for it when they are not. In such cases, I have to navigate these situations tactfully. Although some of these artists have the financial means to undertake the recording, working with them requires a lot of energy. 

Yes. And it's a representation of who you are as a person. You have to make sure you keep your standards high. It's wonderful. Many creatives are often discouraged from pursuing their career in the music industry, causing them to lose their passion for music. Can you explain to non-creative individuals the importance of artistic expression? What happens when creatives are denied the opportunity to showcase their God-given talents? When I was about to finish school and had to decide whether to go to LA to pursue my passion for music, I listened to my heart and went ahead with it. Many people are passionate about music and want to go to places like LA, New York, or Nashville, where the music industry thrives. Spending time there is essential for your career.  

However, it can be challenging to communicate with people who don't understand the music industry. Some people may ask if you have a big savings account, but they don't understand that in the music industry, you have to invest in yourself and your career. You might have to take out loans and live in less-than-ideal situations. But this is just the start. Everyone in the industry has gone through this, and it's all worth it if you're passionate about music. But it's OK if you have trouble communicating with different people. Stay calm and confident in yourself. This is just a part of your story.   

You may see others around you buying homes and succeeding while you are still trying to land that gig. Don't let their success discourage you because your time will come." When it comes, it'll be glorious if you stick with it over time.   

However, I've also seen the downside of sharing my music and creativity too early. In the past, I would show people my work in progress only to receive a lot of criticism. So, I stopped sharing until my music was already successful. But even then, people would still find something to criticize. It was discouraging. So, I stopped sharing my work with others and focused on perfecting my craft. Then, I let them hear it when it comes out, and it's perfect.   

So, don't get discouraged about your journey because people don't understand what you are going through. When I work with people, from Chaka Khan to The Pointer Sisters, I listen to their stories, and they tell me where they came from and where they have been. There are a lot of similarities in these stories, and even if you are a professional or successful, your story is there too.  

Yeah, absolutely. There is no doubt that arrogance is not an attractive quality. However, I do feel compassion for people who demonstrate it so blatantly because I believe everyone has a method behind their madness. When some people achieve celebrity status, we often witness a lack of humility or excessive arrogance. But on the other hand, we should also consider the struggles they faced before experiencing success. 

Perhaps the rejections and the lack of belief from others made them feel like they had to prove themselves to the world. And when they finally achieve their goals, they might say, "See, I told you!" So, I wonder if this desire for acceptance and validation can sometimes drive people to become arrogant. Again, it still does not excuse their behavior, but just a thought to consider why some may act in this way. It absolutely does, and I've seen artists who do that. Even though they are being blessed, their attitude is, "I'm not going to help anyone! You have to struggle like I did."   

But having that attitude will make life hard for you. What they don't understand is that it will make people reject them even more. People like me get in the room and evaluate you. You could be the best guitar player in the world, but I will bypass you because I'm not trying to deal with that attitude. I have choices at this point. (laughs) 

There it is!' (laughs) Well said. So, Kevin, given the oversaturation and high traffic on social media resulting in drastic changes in the music industry, how should new talent approach the industry, given that it can be difficult to get heard in such a competitive market? I encourage people to focus on developing the quality of their craft. For example, if you're a singer, study singing and figure out what you're doing. Back in the day, people went through school to perfect their skills. Having a robust social media presence is excellent, but it won't matter if you don't continue to study and improve your craft. Some people have gone viral with a video of them playing the keyboard, but they can only do one thing for a few seconds. To have a sustainable career, it's important to have a strong foundation in your craft, or you’ll have a rough future.  

It's important to have proper training and knowledge when doing business. Even if you have natural talent, it's still important to go back and learn the basics, like how to read music. I know some people who never did that, and as a result, they miss out on half of the gigs they could be getting. 

Many older, well-established artists have paved the way for new artists. However, many artists struggle to adapt to the new music climate because the music industry has changed significantly. In the past, they often had managers to handle everything for them, like getting them on the radio and handling their marketing and promotion, but now things are different, and they have to do it themselves. It's like the character in the movie "I'm Gonna Get You Sucka," who gets out of jail wearing shoes with fish in them. In other words, they feel lost and don't know how to adjust.  

Some independent artists are more knowledgeable about the workings of the industry than many of the former Grammy Award winners. What advice would you give to these established artists in a similar position now as independent artists? How can they adapt to this ever-changing industry? Yeah, that's a tough one because it's real. It can be challenging when you've had a successful career, but the industry changes. And, it's harder to keep up when you're not in your prime and you don't have the energy you had in your youth. However, I have an advantage since I studied computer science in college. So, I was already familiar with programming and related stuff.  

For some individuals, being solely responsible for tasks such as image editing, and music setup can be overwhelming and crippling. However, I encourage them to take one task at a time. That's what I do - I focus on one thing at a time over time. (laughs)   

I had to learn how to do things myself because I have a lot of videos and content, and hiring someone to do those tasks can be expensive. If you always rely on someone else to do everything for you, the cost can add up quickly.   

So, I gradually learned how to do these things myself. I learned how to use programs like Final Cut and other similar tools. It's a challenging task because you don't have much time, but it's wise to make time to learn how to do it. It will benefit you greatly in the long run. 

As I have gained experience, I have become proficient in handling the essential tasks of my career. Nevertheless, if there is something serious or extensive that requires an expert to represent it well, I will always hire someone with experience. For instance, I won't shoot a video with Phil Perry because that's not my area of expertise. Therefore, I hire people with more knowledge and experience regarding that type of work. It requires a higher level of expertise that I don't possess.  

Always remember that you can achieve your goals by taking them one step at a time. It's important not to let discouragement set in, as that can hinder your progress. Instead of being discouraged, act and keep moving forward.  

Absolutely. You know Kevin, I've noticed that many older artists who have had successful careers with great music feel they need to change to fit in with the younger generation. They shouldn't feel compelled to do this because many young artists today are sampling older music and trying to emulate what they hear using a different beat or expression. They are trying to sound like the older generation.   

It breaks my heart when I hear so many older artists saying they are trying to keep up with the younger generation. They are trying to dance and dress like them, talk like them, and get their music to sound like their music, but it doesn't always suit them, being the age that some of these artists are now.   

Young people don't need the older generation to stoop to their level and act like them, still trying to figure life out. Instead, they need the older generation to set an example for them. Even the Bible teaches that the older generation should teach the younger. 

We should grow gracefully and not abandon our authentic selves. Many people of our generation don't enjoy twerking music. Me being one of them. (laughs) Instead, we prefer our "grown folks' music" and will continue to enjoy it until we leave this planet. (laughs)  

When the older generation tries to follow the younger generation, they're essentially following their own creations. The younger generation's music is often a derivative of the older generation's music. As Ecclesiastes says, there's nothing new under the sun. Staying true to yourself is wise, and those who appreciate your work will support you forever. We all have our preferences, but let's not see older people trying to mimic the current music trends. It's important to stay authentic to the music we grew up with and loved. We still love it and would love to hear more of it. Good music and lyrics have no expiration date. I would say the same thing.  When it's time to do a new song, they're focused on bringing this young thing in, and I'll say, no, do the thing you do. (laughs)  

It's like the song I did with Phil Perry. It's a remake of an old song from the 80s, and when we recorded it, it automatically sounded different because we were using modern equipment. The quality is ten times better because it's being produced digitally. You want to let your talent do its work and allow things to happen naturally. Don't worry about whether your song includes 808 drums. Don't worry about that stuff. (laughs)  

Right! But Kevin, I must be honest. It's an LA thing. (Laughs) I do a little bit of that. I got a little 808 in "Tell Me,"but it's subtle.  

Subtlety is key. Using too much 808 in your song is like putting too much salt in your food when you have heart problems. It will kill you. Thus, it could have the same effect on your song. (laughs) Yes. Sometimes, people make the mistake of hiring someone who doesn't have a good understanding of music and its scope. These individuals use samples and other material from well-known artists, but this approach rarely works out. My advice is to focus on your strengths and stick to what you know best. Sing a song with a chorus and bridge and keep that going.   

Absolutely. Especially when it comes to Grammy Award-winning artists and financially capable iconic artists. However, I want to add another perspective. In my wondering how so, many songs today no longer include the full production of modulation, chorus, and bridge, I've come to my own hypothesis about why this phenomenon has occurred in our music. Here's what I have concluded. 

Many established artists often have the resources to work in major studios with professional musicians for a fully produced song. However, the other side of the coin is that many independent artists lack the financial support to afford such resources. They often make the most of what they have, which may include using samples. Not all independent artists are musicians, but they all share a common dream. Therefore, I believe it's commendable when they use the tools at their disposal to produce their music. If they don't, they might wait indefinitely for the perfect opportunity to release a song. They could also utilize the samples they have and make the most of their gift. If you have the means or the talent to produce a song with all its elements, by all means, do it. It's a worthwhile endeavor. If you're an independent artist without a budget, I also urge you to use the tools you have and to make the most of your gift. Don't let it sit idle. Just do your best. And remember, if you know you can do better and have the resources, then go all out. Thank you, Kevin, for this amazing conversation that needs to be heard to encourage artists of all levels. Thank you for your wise words and excellent perspective. Now, you've worked with an enormous number of notable artists. Can you share just a few of those artists with our readers? Yes, I've had great experiences with a lot of great artists. One of the most memorable experiences of my life was getting the opportunity to play strings and orchestration for Dionne Warwick's six-week tour in the UK. It was an incredible experience. Burt Bacharach was also on tour at the time. I played on a show where all the songs were a chronicle of her life from the beginning to the end.  

For me, it was a monumental experience that I will always cherish. I was a substitute musician for that tour, so I am thankful for the opportunity that opened doors for me. That's how I used to get stuff by taking advantage of every available opportunity. Someone would always call me when there was an opening. So that was a good one.   

Another great experience was that I was on tour with Chaka khan all last year. It doesn't get better than that, right?   

Right? Tell me about it. It's interesting because they send you the songs, and you know most of them, but now you have to play them, and not only play them, but you have to play them right. That's totally different. (laughs)     

Yes, it is. You must be on point when you're batting in the big leagues. "I get in front of the keyboard and pull up one of her songs, like "Ain't Nobody." Even though I've been listening to many of these songs since high school, for the first time, I'm listening critically because, as I stated previously, I have to play them right. Then you think to yourself, "I remember listening to these songs in high school." All of a sudden, you're on stage with this artist. It's an incredible feeling. I did that for most of 2022, but I started with her in 2015 when we toured overseas in France. So that was a great one.  

As well as Donny Osmond, I worked with him for six years. We toured the UK with him. We did Scotland and Ireland. Back in the day, the Osmond Brothers were popular and had a few big hits. But it was his first visit back in a long time. So, we changed our set to accommodate those hits for him. But as you can imagine, When I got that gig, it was a different level of touring and being on stage.  

It's interesting that you mentioned humility because he came in on his own tour bus and rode behind our bus, but he was always on our bus. And Chaka Khan is like that too. Although they had their own room, they liked to hang with us because they're musicians, too. (laughs)   

I'll never forget when Donny came on the bus and looked at us. He said, 'I really appreciate you. I know you guys have a choice who you can play with, so I appreciate you working with me.' That meant a lot to me because some people have the opposite attitude.   

As for me, I was just sitting there thinking, 'Man, you don't know how grateful I am to be here. But that was Donny's attitude the whole time. We remained friends and still talk to each other to this day. 

That's awesome! I've heard he is an amazing person. Yes, he truly is. Being with Chaka, Dionne, and Donny was such a great experience. It's like being fully immersed in their history. Even today, I still play with The Pointer Sisters. It's the same feeling there, a connection to their history. 

Yes, awesome. When I first moved to LA, I had the opportunity to play with "The Emotions." Later, I started focusing on vocals and ended up performing with Teena Marie for three years. It was an amazing experience! Seeing that talent and energy on stage was amazing! Then, when they let Rick James out, he started hanging out. (laughs)  

I remember Rick James jumping on stage and Teena and him singing "Fire and Desire." As I sat on the stage, I couldn't help but think this was a historical moment. It was a significant event that occurred early on in my career. Although it was just a job, it was a truly rewarding experience. Now, the song that I just finished mixing now has Ronnie Laws on it. His family is iconic.  

The Laws family is fantastic indeed! Yes, I have been playing on and off with them since the beginning, which brings out the jazz side of me. Their history is incredible, too. After Ronnie, I played with Kirk Whalum for three years and toured with him.   

He is another artist that I enjoy listening to. Early in my career, I remember Barbara Weathers, the lead singer from Atlantic Star, used to come on, and we would do a couple of their songs.   

Therefore, I used to play with two or three people at the same time. Dionne Warwick, Kirk, and Donny. My schedule was busy, and I was on a roll. 

Absolutely! Wow, that is awesome. So, let me ask you this. Do you think vinyl is making a comeback? In my opinion, it is a vital component of music. My husband plays vinyl on his radio station. He does play a few MP3s and other digital formats, but 90% of the music he plays is on vinyl.   

Although vinyl is hugely popular in the UK, it's not as widely available in California. In my experience, many consumers have a "take one free" mentality regarding music. Are you hopeful that the comeback of vinyl will change this and help consumers respect and support artists again? I understand your point of view, and I agree that vinyl records are making a comeback. I recently watched a show that featured a couple of places specializing in making vinyl records. At my last smooth jazz gig, a guy had his new record on vinyl laid out.   

People enjoy the tactile experience of touching and seeing the album cover, reading about the artists and producers involved, and looking at additional pictures. Unfortunately, this aspect of music culture was lost in the digital age, but it was a big deal for our generation. We wanted to interact physically with the music we loved.  

Nowadays, the younger generation is becoming more interested in vinyl and is enjoying the experience of listening to music on vinyl, just like we did in the past. So, yes, it is definitely making a comeback.   

Absolutely. The positive aspect of releasing vinyl is not only its potential financial benefits for artists but also a rewarding experience for the younger generation who can enjoy its unique properties. 

I would love to see that because artists releasing their music on vinyl can be a solution to all the illegal downloading. Bringing vinyl back would be a great way to curve that practice. I say bring those record stores and listening stations back. Let's return to “The old school.” It wasn't broken, so we should have avoided trying to fix it.  

Now, Kevin, at some point in your career, you were working on American Idol and Roseanne Barr's talk show that aired on CBS. Can you tell me about that experience? I was part of the first season of American Idol when Kelly Clarkson was a contestant. It was a new show back then, and I got a call from my bass player friend, asking if I wanted to be a part of it. I said yeah, it's a gig, right? (laughs)  

It was one of those “finale” shows where the top 10 contestants came back together. They decided to have a live band for a big show in Vegas. Kelly Clarkson and the other finalists had to perform in the show, and that was the first time the show used a live band.   

Before that, I worked on the pre-recorded music that played before the commercials in the studio. But then, they asked us to play live and experimented with the idea. In addition to watching talented artists like Kelly Clarkson begin their careers, watching the show's progression into one of the most successful talent shows in history was amazing. I was like, 'Wow!' I accidentally stumbled upon something great again!" (laughs) 

Yeah.  American Idol gave opportunities to people who didn't have music careers. Some were young and had never played with a live band. I observed some struggling with the setup and singing with us. It's just something that happens when you're not used to it. As musicians, we had to go through a lot of practice before performing in front of a large audience. Watching American Idol pick someone right off the couch and put them on stage in front of millions of people was fascinating. But it was interesting to see that process. 

Yeah, absolutely. Now, The Roseanne Barr gig was great. Every Thursday, we had to learn two songs; sometimes, she would climb onto the piano and lay on it. It wasn't serious work, but she would sing some rock songs and then go to the Viper Room in LA to perform on the same day. We would go to CBS to film it, but those situations were always interesting just to be in that environment.  

It was fascinating to witness all aspects of this business, especially since Roseanne was a big name in the early 2000s. The treat was that we rehearsed at her house in Bel Air, CA.   

The first time I drove up there, I saw this big magical gate and thought, "Oh, they've got more over here!" Her house was one of those $50 million mansions, and we rehearsed in the pool room. The pool room was like a house itself. So, as you can imagine, it was quite an experience just going up there to rehearse. 

I enjoyed listening to your stories. Thank you for sharing snapshots of your life with me. I recall that you had some involvement with The Peace Run organization. Please tell me more about it.  

The involvement came through a woman named Kimberly, with whom I was working. She was a world champion in horse jumping and connected to the Special Olympics. Her brother participated in the Special Olympics, and the organization would release a yearly CD featuring tunes from artists like Bon Jovi. The CD would have around 12 songs and be released under the Special Olympics banner. 

I wanted to create inspirational music for the regular Olympics that would empower people and encourage them to rise. I wrote numerous records to achieve this goal with this idea in mind. I did a special recording session at Paramount in LA, where I played the two songs dedicated to "The Peace Run." They run everywhere.   

They were impressed and appreciated the music as they stood in their gear and listened to the two songs, I dedicated to them. They did a special signing, and I was honored with a "Torchbearer Award." I am still working on completing the remaining 12 songs, which are also dedicated to the same idea: empowering people and encouraging them to rise. Hopefully, in the future, you will hear more about it. 

That's fantastic! Thank you. Yes, and I continue to be involved in that. I enjoy writing inspirational lyrics and songs that uplift your spirit. 

Certainly, there is definitely a need for more uplifting music in the world. I appreciate your understanding of your role as a celebrity figure, being a beacon of hope in such a bleak industry. We need more men like you in this field who possess good morals and character, which describes you perfectly, Kevin. Thank you. 

You're welcome. Now, let's discuss "The K-Flow Show." Can you tell me about it? Since my high school days living in San Diego, I have always been surrounded by talented individuals who were singers, and I used to present my songs in the way that I wanted. However, when I began working and producing for others, I did what they paid me to do as a professional. With "The K-Flow Show," it's all about me doing whatever I want to do because my music is sacred to me. It's not about making it by playing a particular song or being on Spotify. It's simply about doing what I want to do, writing what I want to write, and having the freedom to choose whoever I want to sing it, presenting clips and shows with my music.  

Later, I decided to experiment with film production in San Diego, which I called my "research and development" phase. Soon, it became evident that not everyone who claimed to be able to edit or work on the camera had the requisite skills to do so. (laughs) But, despite the challenges, I kept on learning and filming shows, which eventually led to me presenting myself in a few shows at the Miracle Theater in Inglewood, CA. My stage setup included a couch on the stage, and I was positioned behind the keyboard, giving it a night show vibe.  

While chatting with an artist, we would reminisce about a song, leading to performances. The show was praised not only for its quality performances but also for the overall ambiance and warm, inviting atmosphere that it created. In a way, it's like watching people sing in your living room. It was for this reason that I got brought over to Ghana. The show was well-staged, and they liked it.  

It is exciting. As I watched your show, I was reminded of a show I used to follow where singers and musicians were invited to perform at Daryl's house, Daryl Hall of the group Hall & Oats. He called his show "Live from Daryl's House." Yes, I watched it also, and when I saw it, it resembled an idea of the type of show I wanted to create. I also drew inspiration from other shows with similar vibes that had the guests dressed sophisticatedly, with quality music and outstanding performance. With my show, "The K-Flow Show, "I intend to take in that direction. 

This kind of activity is gaining popularity among people who want to let their creativity flow without any disturbance. They prefer to sit in their comfortable surroundings and engage in creative work. When creative individuals come together in one room, it creates a beautiful environment.   

Many creative individuals and music enthusiasts enjoy coming together to play and appreciate high-quality music and presentation. Yes, the challenge is to capture the organic essence on camera because sometimes the vibe can change when you start setting up equipment. I remember them asking me if I was going to rehearse, and I told them, "No," because they were the best!  

I knew they would come up with something magnificent, and I told them that. However, people usually only see the rehearsed version on stage and miss out on the rawness of it. Despite this, I still received thousands of views due to its authenticity. Occasionally, I would fix certain parts of it and say, 'Let's do that again.' Overall, it was a raw situation, and people relate to it. 

Despite experiencing some challenges with the camera, I have now reached a point where I am comfortable using it. What's next is packaging it up so that people can see it. But, of course, there's a lot that goes into it as well. (laughs) 

Well, you will be excellent at anything you set your heart out to do. You’re just that guy! Let's discuss the latest events in your life, including the release of your new single, "Tell Me If You Still Care," featuring the phenomenal singer, Mr. Phil Perry. 

Yes, I played keyboards for Phil Perry when I started in the music industry. We performed at Kimballs East, a popular venue in Oakland, CA, during the 90s. Many famous R&B artists like Jody Watley and Howard Hewett would perform there. But I was hired to play keyboards for Phil Perry on and off for a few of his shows. 

During that time, I made sure to jot down the names of people who I believed had extraordinary skills. Phil stood out to me, especially when he showcased his exceptional whistling talent. He was truly remarkable! Later, when I started working on my personal projects, I "reached back" and contacted Phil. I also did a song with Donny Osmond. 

Wow! Awesome! Yes. So, when I asked Phil to sing on this project, he agreed, came to the studio, and recorded the song.  

At first, I had planned to produce the song differently. However, later, I changed my mind and decided to record the entire song as it was originally sung. I brought in someone with the vocal ability to sing it well, and Phil Perry was the person I called to do it. I’m glad he said yes 

Because not only was his interpretation of it powerful but he added gloss and depth to it. 

The funny thing is that several people asked me why I didn't call younger artists to sing it, but I said no; I have nothing against young people, but they won't be able to do it the same way Phil Perry can. (laughs)   

I agree. There are many talented young artists out there, but there is something about the experience and understanding that an older artist has when it comes to the music we grew up listening to. They know how to sing it in a way that captures its authenticity. It can be challenging for younger people to express that same authenticity because they didn't grow up in that era or were not exposed to that kind of music. So, if you want authenticity from a specific time period, you have to reach back and find someone who experienced it in real-time. I completely agree with you. Yeah, because they're just not going to do it like that. It will sound good, but it's not going to be that. I was going for something special and unique.   

Absolutely. I released a video on YouTube, and it became extremely popular. It spread like wildfire, and people went crazy over it! It has an impressive number of views, and I believe it's on track to garner 3 million views by the end of the year. I was informed that it is not usual for an independent R&B urban song to receive that many views on YouTube, so I feel blessed. This was my first attempt, and it set me on an optimistic path for the future. 

Then, of course, I collaborated with other artists such as Phil. I have also occasionally played for Jeffrey Osborne and invited him to join me on my latest project. He is an exceptional talent, too.  

Overall, "Tell Me If You Still Care" remains one of my most well-received songs, so I plan to continue promoting it. Whenever I perform live, it is on the bill. 

Great! Where can people purchase your music? Also, do you plan to release the song on vinyl? It's available on all major online retail sites, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora. Yes, I am planning to release that particular song on vinyl. 

So, Kevin, what are your plans for the upcoming year of 2024? I am planning to release a full-length record with many new songs. I released the Phil Perry songs and another single earlier this year. I just finished one more song last night, and more will come. I will be performing across the continent and in the UK. I will also work on developing "The K-Flow Show" further. Additionally, I have been approached to create music for feature films, motion pictures, and TV shows. 

Awesome! As a final question, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians and artists? In this age of social media, it's important to focus on the quality of your work at every level to succeed in your profession.   

This means paying attention to every aspect of your work, such as the music, visuals, and overall presentation. If your work is not up to par, you may not receive feedback; instead, it may be ignored. Therefore, working hard and improving your skills is important to ascend to a higher level.   

Don't be discouraged if you find yourself working in isolation because it can be an excellent opportunity to focus on your goals. With fewer distractions, you can concentrate on what you need to do to improve your work. On the other hand, working with too many people around you can be distracting and make you lose focus. So, being mindful of your surroundings and work environment is essential. 

Kevin, it has been an absolute blessing and pleasure speaking with you. I pray that God blesses the work of your hands, be it done in accordance with His will for your life. May the Lord bless you, your family, and your friends. I pray that He brings great people into your life who are well-meaning and integral and have your best interests at heart. Lastly, I am extremely proud of every milestone and goal you have accomplished and of all the wonderful things you possess. It is an honor to know you. Thank you again. May God bless you, and I look forward to seeing more beautiful things from you in the future. Mr. Flournoy, it was a pleasure. Thank you, Gina. It was a pleasure talking to you. 

www.kevinflournoy.com 

All photos of Kevin Flournoy are by Eric Scot Photography www.ericscot.com

END OF INTERVIEW