Renowned Pop-Star Joins the Line-Up of Performers for the 14th Annual Event

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds

St. Kitts (April 24, 2010) Tourism Authority — Ten-time Grammy winner, singer, producer, and songwriter Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds is the first international super-star to sign on to perform at the 14th Annual St. Kitts Music Festival, which will take place on the island from June 24-26, 2010.

Kenny Edmonds began playing in the local R&B scene as a teenager growing up in Indianapolis, Indiana as a member of Bootsy Collins’ funk group, where he earned his nickname “Babyface.”

He then joined the funk outfit Manchild, which secured a record deal and released three albums in the late 1970’s. After their breakup, Edmonds partnered with Antonio “L.A.” Reid in the early 80’s and formed the urban funk group called The Deele which recorded notable hits on the R&B charts. Edmonds and Reid began producing and writing for other artists, landing hits in Pebbles’ “Girlfriend” and the Whispers’ “Rock Steady”.

The pair co-founded the LaFace label in 1989 and further hits followed in Bobby Brown’s “Every Little Step,” Johnny Gill’s “My, My, My,” (nominated for the Best R&B Song Grammy), Whitney Houston’s “I’m Your Baby Tonight”, and Madonna’s “Take a Bow.” Edmonds biggest success came in 1992 with Boyz II Men, whose recording of “End of the Road” became one of the longest-running number ones in pop history. Kenny was co-nominated for an Album of the Year Grammy for his production on “The Bodyguard” soundtrack and went on to work with artists Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, En Vogue, Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, TLC, OutKast, and Usher to name a few. In 1993, Edmonds released his 2nd solo album “For the Cool in You” which went triple platinum and producing his first Top Five pop hit, “When Can I See You Again,” and won his first Grammy as a performer for Best Male R&B Vocal.

Throughout his career, Edmonds impeccably crafted explorations of love, romance and relationships have made an indelible imprint on the evolution of contemporary pop music throughout the world with over 125 Top-10 R&B and Pop hits, 42 #1’s R&B hits, and 51 Top-10 Pop hits (including 16 #1’s). He is the recipient of numerous awards, including Soul Train Music Awards, BMI Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and American Music Awards. Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds was the recipient of the third BET Walk of Fame Award (previous honorees were Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston), and was named BET’s “Entertainer of the Year” at the First Annual BET Awards Ceremony.

He will receive a star on Hollywood’s legendary Walk of Fame in Feb. 2011 and is currently in the studio working on new material for his next solo album, due for release in late 2010.

“I am truly excited about being a part of a very exceptional Music Festival!,” stated Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. This will be my first visit to St Kitts and I am looking forward to exploring as much of the island as time will allow, experiencing the unique Kittitian hospitality and performing for everyone at the Festival.”

“We are thrilled to announce Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds’ participation in our 14th Annual St Kitts Music Festival,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport. “Kenny has had an undeniable presence in virtually every major facet of pop music for over the past three decades and his performance will reinforce the musical variety that has made the St Kitts Music Festival outstanding.”

Now in its 14th consecutive year, the festival attracts both locals and visitors alike. It features various musical styles on the popular market, including R&B, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Soca, Calypso, Gospel and Contemporary music. Past artists have included such prominent acts as John Legend, T-Pain, Michael Bolton, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Air Supply, Dionne Warwick, Billy Ocean, Kenny Rogers, Boyz II Men, King Konris, Stephen Marley, Regina Belle, Maxi Priest, and Lord Nelson.

Music lovers from the US and Canada can get to St. Kitts via non-stop service on American Airlines from New York (JFK) or Miami, on Delta Air Lines from Atlanta, and on US Airways from Charlotte as well as via connecting service through San Juan on American Eagle or via flights on regional carrier Liat from Antigua. Canadian visitors can connect via select US gateways. From the UK, British Airways operates direct flights from London Gatwick airport on Tuesdays and Saturdays.