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Kenny Vernon

Kenny Vernon
Birth name Kenneth Vernon
Born (1940-07-19) July 19, 1940 (age 77)
Origin Jackson, Tennessee, United States
Genres Country, Bakersfield sound, country rock, outlaw country,
Occupation(s) singer/songwriter
Instruments Vocals, Guitar
Years active 1959-present
Labels Capitol Records, Epic, Chart label
Associated acts Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, the Strangers, Lawanda Lindsey, The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Byrds, Bonnie Owens

Kenny Vernon (born July 19, 1940 is an American country music singer-songwriter and guitar player often associated with the Bakersfield country music scene and an early participant of the country rock and outlaw country movements. In addition to his own career as an artist, Vernon was also a longtime friend of Merle Haggard and a member of the Strangers.

As a child, Vernon was inspired by his older brother Roy, who hosted a country music radio show in Jackson, Tennessee. It was not uncommon for touring artists to drop in at the Vernon’s home, often playing impromptu sessions in the house or yard. During the late 1950s, Vernon began performing and writing songs as a regional act. Vernon later relocated to California during the early 1960s, where he honed his craft as a professional performer and bandleader. Vernon's primary band on the West Coast was called The Boondockers.

Vernon met Merle Haggard during the early 1960s and the two developed a close friendship. Vernon performed as a member of Haggard's band, The Strangers until Haggard retired from performing in early 2016, due to illness.

In addition to touring and performing as a solo artist, Vernon recorded albums and singles for Capitol Records, Epic and Chart label. He was paired with a young female singer named Lawanda Lindsey, who was a protege of Buck Owens. Vernon and Lindsey released a number of duets, both as singles and albums. Vernon also participated in the country rock scene, recording an album in 1967 entitled Loversville, with members of The Flying Burrito Brothers and The Byrds.

Vernon received an endorsement from Fender, with the Fender Telecaster, and Fender Coronado models as his primary choice for electric guitars. In 1968, Vernon also endorsed a banjo made by Fender, which he often included in his live sets.


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