Kenneth J. Stelly was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. His parents quickly realized they had a child prodigy on their hands, so they bought his first guitar at age 3. Kenneth also had an interest in the piano at a very early age. He was self-taught in these instruments as he enjoyed playing his favorite "Top 40s" tunes by ear. Throughout his early childhood, Kenneth would immerse himself for hours listening to records of various musical styles. These influences are evident in Ken’s eclectic style of playing and songwriting in later years.
By the age of 12, Ken had a dream of having his own recording studio. Due to his limited resources at the time, he figured out how to make overdubbed recordings using two tape recorders and an acoustic guitar for all instrumentation. More than two decades later, Ken's dream became a reality when he founded Wonway Records.
During the late 70's, Ken was a keyboardist for a local cover band named "Black Pearl". They were under the musical mentorship of the band members from the 70’s hit R&B group, "Rose Royce". Jam sessions with these seasoned professionals prepared the budding, local group for public appearances.
By the turn of the 80’s, Ken enrolled himself in a classical guitar course at El Camino College at the advice of his mother who enjoyed hearing him play. She unexpectedly attended Ken’s first guitar recital before a live audience, beaming with delight at her son’s performance, when just evenings later, she died of a massive heart attack. The unexpected death of Ken’s mother spawned a wellspring of songwriting potential. Ken spent a lot of time songwriting with his guitar, which was therapeutic for him in coping with his mother's death and the death of his father, which occurred in 1979.
Also occurring in the 80s, Ken led two Christian Rock bands who "rocked the house" at local churches and community events in the South Bay area. Ken also served as a Praise & Worship leader for youth and singles groups, and was a soloist for the Sunday morning services in addition to teaching classical guitar classes to members of his home church.
The 90s was a decade of growth and expansion for Ken as an artist. He was a multi-instrumentalist for a Manhattan Beach pop rock group. Ken’s multi-tasked performances included playing electric 12-string guitar, keyboard, harmonica and backup vocal. The group played several local venues, which included being an opening act for guitarist Craig Chaquico of "Jefferson Starship" fame & Vince Neil of “Motley Crue” fame.
During this decade, Ken enrolled himself in two Recording Engineering Schools. He assisted in recording sessions with some of the top names in music like Patti LaBelle, John Jorgenson, Andy Williams, Jim Belushi, Martika, Julie Andrews, Lou Rawls, Bobby Matos, Susie Hansen, Louis Bellson, just to name a few. He founded Wonway Recordings in 1995, helping aspiring artists get the songs of their hearts into a format for public enjoyment. He also continued serving local churches as a praise & worship leader throughout the turn of the millennium.
In 2005, Kenneth's debut CD "Choices" pulls out all stops as a single artist effort. Ken pushes the envelope of full recording production as songwriter, producer, composer, engineer, vocal performer and multi-instrumentalist.
"Choices" delivers an exciting and refreshing artistic fusion of rock, funk, pop, jazz, classical, rap, R&B (just to name a few), to the world of Inspirational Music. Through excellent musicianship, it says what needs to be said to a society that's ever evolving.
We are taken through the mind, heart and soul of the artist with a delivery that will intrigue & peak the listener's anticipation.
This is a CD that contains a "smorgasbord" of music to appeal to ALL audiences. Hope you'll enjoy it!
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