* En anglais uniquement
Vocalist
Roy Kenner is perhaps most recognized for his stint in
the James Gang, one of many collaborations with fellow Canadian and longtime friend
Domenic Troiano.
Kenner began his musical career in the mid-'60s fronting R.K. & the Associates, a local favorite in Toronto's burgeoning R&B movement. In 1967,
Kenner replaced George Olliver in
Mandala, one of the scene's most sought-after bands. The group was known for its high-energy live shows and outstanding musicianship, including the impressive guitar work of
Domenic Troiano. Although the band had started recording material for its debut album with Olliver, the tracks were completed with
Kenner taking over all lead vocals.
Mandala's only long-player,
Soul Crusade, was released in mid-1968 and spawned the Canadian chart hit "Love-itis." After the release of the album,
Mandala struggled to stay afloat amid inner turmoil and declining popularity. The group released one final single, "You Got Me," in late 1968 and disbanded shortly thereafter.
Kenner,
Troiano, and drummer
Whitey Glan then recruited bassist
Prakash John and formed
Bush. The band toured with
Three Dog Night and
Steppenwolf and cut an eponymous album before splitting in 1971.
Shortly after the demise of
Bush,
Troiano was asked to replace guitarist/vocalist
Joe Walsh in
the James Gang. Reluctant to sing, he suggested
Kenner as a vocalist. The two joined the Cleveland-based rock band in 1972.
Straight Shooter and
Passin' Thru, both dominated by
Kenner/
Troiano compositions, were released that year. The new lineup of
the James Gang was gaining momentum when legal hassles suddenly prevented the band from releasing new material. The band stuck together until the issues were resolved, but
Troiano left in 1973 and was soon replaced by
Tommy Bolin. With
Bolin pushing
the James Gang back into a hard rock sound, this incarnation of the band released a pair of albums --
Bang in 1973 and
Miami in 1974 -- that captured the attention of many old fans dissatisfied with the more funk-oriented
Troiano-era material. Although the records were respectable sellers,
the James Gang couldn't reclaim the success of previous efforts, and they split in late 1974.
After
the James Gang,
Kenner went back to Toronto and worked on the Canadian TV show Music Machine. During this time, he also collaborated with aspiring singer Lisa DelBello and with R&B band Delphia, formed by
Guess Who drummer
Garry Peterson. While Delphia never landed a record deal,
Kenner was successful in helping DelBello launch her career. "(Don't Want To) Stand in Your Way," a tune written by
Kenner, became her first single and proved to be a highlight of her debut album. Around 1976,
Kenner accepted an invitation to join funk-rock band
Law, sharing vocal duties with keyboard player Ronnie Cunningham.
Law released two albums, Breakin' It and Hold on to It, on
Roger Daltrey's Goldhawke label, and toured throughout 1977 and 1978.
Kenner then rejoined
Domenic Troiano, co-writing and singing on
Troiano's 1979 album,
Fret Fever. The record included the dance hit "We All Need Love,"
Troiano's biggest commercial success. With
Troiano's assistance,
Kenner released the single "Transparent Love" on Anthem Records in 1980. Two years later, the track wound up on a split EP featuring
Kenner on the first half and George Olliver with Bobbi DuPont and the Royals on the flip.
Kenner's recorded output since the early '80s has been minimal. He sang lead vocals on the
Troiano-penned theme song for the TV series Night Heat, which enjoyed a successful run in the mid-'80s. The track was released as a single in 1986. Today he remains mostly under the musical radar, focusing on voiceover and jingle work and performing sporadically in the Toronto area. ~ Jeremy Frey