Kenny Vance

Kenny Vance is a singer, songwriter, and producer known for his long and varied career in music that began in the late '50s. He gained fame as a doo-wop singer and was a founding member of Jay and the Americans.

Pop Singer

December 9, 1943

81

Kenny Vance, an American singer, songwriter, and music producer, rose to fame as the original founding member of Jay and the Americans. Born in Brooklyn, he spent his childhood in the renowned Brill Building and formed his first vocal group, the Harbor Lites, when he was just 15 years old. In 1959, the group recorded two singles for Ivy Records. With a career spanning from the 1950s to the present day, Vance is primarily known as a doo-wop singer who has collaborated with numerous acts. His most notable work is the doo-wop classic “Looking for an Echo,” first released in 1975. In addition to releasing solo albums, Vance has supervised music for various projects. He was once married to Marilyn Kaye, but they later divorced. His band even performed on The Tonight Show, hosted by Johnny Carson.