C.W. Kendall
One-Man Band!
C.W. Kendall Pianist for The Stars
As the keyboard player for The Big Beats, one of the most popular
touring bands of the fifties and sixties, C.W. had the opportunity to
meet, tour, and perform with some of the biggest and most popular
bands in the recording industry. He toured and performed with many famous musicians including Johnny Cash, Gene Vincent, Roy Orbison,
Ricky Nelson, Sonny James, and Bobby Darin. In fact, C.W. continues
to receive royalties for performing, writing, and playing with
Buddy Holly and The Crickets.
Although he still performs with The Big Beats, C.W. decided that he wanted to try something a little different. In 2010, he put together a really exciting venture: C.W.’s One Man Band, giving him more "playing" time for smaller groups and clubs at a reasonable price.
Close your eyes, and you’ll hear a seven piece band! Look up, and you’ll
see one man! C.W. is a great musician and vocalist, playing everything
from Oldies, to Classic Rock and Country. He has a contagious stage presence which makes for a very entertaining show. He doesn't play
laid back, sleepy music, but music that will awaken fond memories and
make you want to dance. C.W. wants to play for your party, event,
or club and is willing to travel.
C.W. continues to receive royalties for performing, writing, and playing with Buddy Holly and The Crickets for his song “Little Baby”. This track, one of twelve from the brilliant Buddy Holly debut solo album, released by Coral February 20th 1958, features the tasty piano of co-writer CW Kendall, who also contributed to another two tracks from that iconic album.
The Buddy Holly Foundation says “CW is a fine musician, known for his long association with The Big Beats, founded in 1957,who's personnel included Trini Lopez.”
The Buddy Holly Educational Foundation Says “They are delighted he has graciously accepted our invitation to become an Honored Friend. CW has recalled for us, some amazingly interesting stories regarding Buddy ,including his time arranging and recording with Buddy, Little Baby.”
Not many can say they toured in the United States, Canada, Europe and the Far East with some of the most influential artists of early Rock N’ Roll, but CW Kendall had the opportunity to do just that for many years including being featured on Dick Clark’s American Band Stand and his band being the first rock band ever signed to Colombia Records.
On Sept. 9, 2017 - The Big Beats were inducted into The Texas Musicians Museum, where some of their memorabilia from the last 60 years will be on display and will remain there for years to come.
After touring CW started Ken-Ran Productions an award winning Event Entertainment service company that has been providing Quality Entertainment for 57 years! KEN-RAN Productions is a company that has considerable experience in large scale special event production, with a history in both Corporate and Civic events, creating or participating in spectacular, world class, events, Fairs, Festivals and more.
In the 60’s and 70’s CW owned and operated Several Popular Night Clubs in Houston, Dallas, Memphis, New Orleans and Little Rock while booking entertainment nationwide.
In 1989 CW and a group of entertainment professionals came together in response to the Texas Talent Agency Act that had just been passed by the Texas Legislature. The act would have forced band leaders, music agencies and novelty variety agencies to submit to expensive bonding procedures, open their books annually to governmental inspection, and give agencies from out of state an unfair advantage in pricing, selling or marketing live entertainment. In self-defense, agencies began to work together to protect the rights of musicians, artists, speakers, comics, and agencies to solicit work without restriction. As a result they decided to form our association (STEP) that furthered the goals of networking, continuing education, political activism, and marketing of and for the profession. At last, there was a voice for professionals who made their livings selling live entertainment in Texas. CW served as the association first president and today, the organization's membership rolls include some of the most effective, efficient, and professional agencies and producers in the state. We have chapters in Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin-San Antonio, and Houston.
In addition CW has served as President, Vice President and on the Board of Directors for The International Theatrical Agencies Association for more than ten years where he lobbied and negotiated on behalf of musicians for nationwide scale pay and labor relations.
903-882-8585
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