Birth name Kenny Bishop Labels Daywind Records Occupation(s) singer, songwriter Name Kenny Bishop | Instruments vocals Role Musical Artist Years active 1984-present Record label Daywind Records | |
 | ||
Born 8 April 1966 (age 58) ( 1966-04-08 ) Origin Richmond, Kentucky, United States Associated acts Bill Gaither, Steven Curtis Chapman Albums Kenny Bishop, Reaching Out Genres Southern gospel, Christian country music, Country Similar People Kirk Talley, Jake Hess, George Younce | ||
Kenny Bishop's Testimony
Kenny Bishop is an American musician. He traveled with his father Kenneth Bishop Sr. and his older brother Mark Bishop from 1984 to 2001 as a part of the Southern Gospel trio The Bishops. The group earned several industry and fan awards including the Gospel Music Association's Dove Award. They had several number one and top ten songs on the genre's music charts. The group traveled mostly within the United States and made several appearances on both Christian and mainstream television. They recorded more than two dozen audio and video recordings. Many of their songs were written by Mark, who often wrote story-songs or ballads intended to make a spiritual or inspirational point. The Bishops were also noted for their a capella recordings and performances known as "front porch singing."
While performing with the group, Kenny worked as a part-time political advisor and consultant, helping run and manage local and regional political campaigns. In the fall of 2002 Kenny joined the campaign staff of U.S. Congressman Ernie Fletcher. The following year the Congressman ran for Governor of Kentucky and was elected to a four-year term. Kenny went to work in the Fletcher administration as the executive director of Kentucky's Governor's Mansion.
During his tenure as executive director Kenny helped establish the annual Easter Egg Roll at the Governor's Mansion in 2004. He also served as a member of the Historic Properties Advisory Commission, and on the board of the Governor's Mansion Preservation Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization formed to raise funds for the renovation of the Kentucky's executive residence. Kenny managed the multimillion-dollar renovation project that was begun in the winter of 2006. He also serves on the board of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
Kenny's first solo recording on Daywind Records was released in May 2006. The recording was nominated for a 2007 GRAMMY award in the Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album category. The self-titled release was also nominated for two GMA Dove Awards for the songs "The Prodigal's Dad" (written by Jeff Steele) and "Don't Let Who You Are Keep You Away" (written by Bishop). The same album contains the hit song "Lord Have Mercy!", written by Sonya Isaacs (who sings backup in Bishop's version) and several other songs co-written by Bishop as well as other well known gospel music writers.
Kenny has performed for heads of state, including US presidents, governors as well as other dignitaries and officials. He has been a regular performer on the Gaither Homecoming video series and radio program, and has performed on Nashville's Grand Ole Opry, Fox News, C-SPAN, CNN, and PBS. His story has been featured in Billboard, Country Weekly Magazine and in various Christian music publications.
Kenny has defined his music's message with a stated mission and purpose based on his understanding that everyone, without exception, qualifies for God's grace.