Music Makers Encyclopedia: K

Click on a letter to choose an act ("S" for Bruce Springsteen, "B" for Beatles, etc.). Shown with the act are its major awards, short bios for select acts (generally adapted from Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954 and Top Pop Singles: Billboard books), and links to albums and songs reviewed by the DMDB.

Bert Kaempfert

Song(s):
Wonderland by Night (1960)

Irving Kahal

Gus Kahn

Song(s) written/co-written by Kahn:
Pretty Baby (1916) – see Billy Murray
Ain’t We Got Fun? (1921) – see Van & Schenck
Toot, Toot, Tootsie! (Goo’bye) (1922) – see Al Jolson
My Buddy (1922) – see Henry Burr
Carolina in the Morning (1923) – see Van & Schenck
It Had to Be You (1924) – see Isham Jones
I'll See You in My Dreams (1925) – see Isham Jones
Yes Sir, That’s My Baby (1925) – see Gene Austin
Love Me or Leave Me (1929) – see Ruth Etting
Makin' Whoopee (1929) – see Eddie Cantor
Little White Lies (1930) – see Fred Waring
Dream a Little Dream of Me (1931) – see Wayne King

Roger Wolfe Kahn

Song(s):
Sometimes I'm Happy (1927)
Russian Lullaby (with Henry Garden, 1927) <br
She’s a Great, Great Girl (1928)

Kaiser Chiefs

Indie rock band formed in Leeds, England in 2000. Ricky Wilson (vocals, percussion), Andrew White (guitar, backing vocals), Simon Rix (bass, backing vocals), Nick Baines (keyboards), Vijay Mistry (drums, percussion: 2012-), Nick Hodgson (drums, percussion, etc.: 2000-12).

Song(s):
I Predict a Riot (2004)
Ruby (2007)

Album(s):
Employment (2005)

Kajagoogoo

Song(s):
Too Shy (1983)

Kaleidoscope

Song(s):
Beacon from Mars (1968)

The Kalin Twins

Song(s):
When (1958)

Kitty Kallen

American traditional pop singer born 5/25/1921. Died 1/7/2016.

Song(s):
Besame Mucho (Kiss Me Much) (1944) – see Jimmy Dorsey
I’m Beginning to See the Light (1945) – see Harry James
It's Been a Long, Long Time (1945) – see Harry James
Little Things Mean a Lot (1954)

Bert Kalmar

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

Song(s):
Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World (1993)

Ini Kamoze

Song(s):
Here Comes the Hotstepper (1994)

John Kander

Musical theater songwriter born 3/18/1927 in Kansas City, MO.

Songs composed with Fred Ebb:
Cabaret (from Cabaret, 1968) – see Louis Armstrong
Maybe This Time (from Cabaret soundtrack: 1972) – see Liza Minnelli
All That Jazz (from Chicago, musical: Chita Rivera: 1975, soundtrack: Catherine Zeta-Jones & Rene Zellweger: 2002)

Album(s):
Cabaret (cast album composed with Fred Ebb: 1966, soundtrack: 1972)
Chicago (composed with Fred Ebb: musical: 1975, soundtrack: 2003)
Kiss of the Spider Woman (composed with Fred Ebb, musical: 1992)

Helen Kane

Song(s):
I Wanna Be Loved by You (with Leonard Joy's orchestra, 1928)
Button Up Your Overcoat (1929)

Kansas

Song(s):
Carry on Wayward Son (1976)
Dust in the Wind (1977)

Album(s):
Leftoverture (1976)

Paul Kanter

Rock guitarist and singer born 3/17/1941 in San Francisco, CA. Died 1/28/2016. With Jefferson Airplane (v/g: 65-72,89) and Jefferson Starship (v/g: 74-84; 91-01), KBC Band (85-87).

Kaoma

Song(s):
Lambada (1989)

Mike Kappus

Anton Karas

Song(s):
The Third Man Theme (1950)

Kasabian

Song(s):
Fire (2009)

Album(s):
West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum (2009)

Casey Kasem

Radio DJ born Kemal Amin Kasem on 4/27/1932 in Detroit, Michigan. Died 6/15/2014. Hosted American Top 40 from 1970 to 1988.

Terry Kath

Jazz-rock drummer born 1/31/1946 in Chicago, IL. Died 1/23/1978 of an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot. With Chicago (1967-78).

Katrina & the Waves

Song(s):
Walking on Sunshine (1985)

Irving Kaufman

Song(s):
Hail! Hail! The Gang's All Here (with the Columbia Quartet, 1918)
Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Shean (with Jack Kaufman, 1922)
That Old Gang of Mine (with Jack Kaufman, 1923)
What’ll I Do? (1924)

Jorma Kaukonen

Rock guitarist born 12/23/1940 in Washington, DC. With Jefferson Airplane.

Kaviar

– see Kevin Gilbert

Jay Kay

Peter Kay

Song(s):
Is This the Way to Armadillo? (1971/2005) – see Tony Christie

Carol Kaye

Danny Kaye

Song(s):
Put ‘Em in a Box, Tie It with a Ribbon (with the Andrews Sisters, 1949)
Orange Colored Sky (with Patty Andrews, 1951)

Album(s):
Hans Christian Andersen (soundtrack: 1953)

Sammy Kaye

Jazz/big band leader born Samuel Zamocay, Jr. on 3/13/1910 in Lakewood, OH. Died 6/2/1987. Durable leader of popular "sweet" dance band with the slogan "Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye." Also clarinet and alto saxman, as well as a composer ("Remember Pearl Harbor").

Song(s):
Rosalie (with Tommy Ryan, 1937)
Love Walked In (with Tommy Ryan, 1938)
Daddy (1941)
Chickery Chick (with Nancy Norman & Billy Williams, 1945)
I’m a Big Girl Now (with Betty Barclay, 1946)
The Old Lamplighter (with Billy Williams, 1946)
Laughing on the Outside, Crying on the Inside (with Billy Williams, 1946)
Serenade of the Bells (with Don Cornell, 1947)
Powder Your Face with Sunshine (Smile! Smile! Smile!) (1949)
The Four Winds and the Seven Seas (with Troy Alamo, 1949)
A Room Full of Roses (with Don Cornell, 1949)
Harbor Lights (with Troy Alamo, 1950)
I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Cocoanuts (1950)
Hollywood Square Dance (1950)
I Went to Your Wedding (1950)

Tony Kaye

Progressive rock keyboardist born Anthony John Selvidge on 1/11/1945 in Leicester, England. With Yes (1968-71, 1982-94).

KC (& the Sunshine Band)

Pop/disco singer born Harry Wayne Casey on 1/31/1951 in Opa-Locka, FL.

Song(s):
That’s the Way I Like It (1975)
Get Down Tonight (1975)
Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake Your Booty (1976)
Please Don’t Go (1979)

K-Ci & JoJo

Song(s):
All My Life (1998)

Ernie K-Doe

Song(s):
Mother-in-Law (1961)
A Certain Girl (1961)

Phil Keaggy

Keane

Song(s): Everybody's Changing (2004)
Somewhere Only We Know (2004)

Album(s):
Hopes and Fears (2004)

Diane Keaton

Song(s):
Seems Like Old Times (1977)

Keats

Off-shoot of the Alan Parsons Project featuring members Ian Bairnson (g), David Paton

(b), and Stuart Elliott (d) and Colin Blunstone (v). Also featured Pete Bardens (keyboards). Produced by Alan Parsons. Released only album in 1984.

Album(s):
Keats (1984)

Keb' Mo'

Song(s):
What a Wonderful World (1998)
Till It Shines (1999) – see Lyle Lovett
One of These Nights (2011)
Old Me Better (2014)
This Is My Home (2019)

Album(s):
The Door (2000)
Peace…Back by Popular Demand (2004)
The Reflection (2011)
Taj Mo (with Taj Mahal, 2017)

Keef Cowboy

Rapper born Robert Keith Wiggins on 9/20/1960 in the Bronx, NY. With Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five.

Orrin Keepnews

Ben Keith

Toby Keith

Country singer born Toby Keith Covel on 7/8/1961 in Clinton, OK.

Song(s):
How Do You Like Me Now?! (1999)
As Good As I Once Was (2005)

Album(s):
How Do You Like Me Now?! (2000)
Unleashed (2002)
Shock 'N Y'all (2003)

Kelis

Song(s):
Caught Out There (1999)
Milkshake (2003)

Ruby Keller

Song(s):
42nd Street (with Dick Powell & Ensemble, 1933)

Shotgun Tom Kelley

Radio DJ.

Betty Kelly

R&B singer born9/16/1944 in Atalla, AL. With Martha & the Vandellas.

Dan Kelly

Song(s):
Pat Kelly As a Police Justice (1891)

Gene Kelly

Dancer, actor, and singer born Eugene Curran Kelly on 8/23/1912 in Pittsburgh, PA. Died 2/2/1996. Best known for performances in Singin' in the Rain and An American in Paris.

Song(s):
For Me and My Gal (1942) – see Judy Garland
Long Ago and Far Away (with Martha Mears, 1944)
New York, New York (with Frank Sinatra& Jules Munshin; from On the Town, 1949)
I Got Rhythm (1951)
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Good Morning (1952)

Mark Kelly

Progressive-rock keyboardist born 4/9/1961 in Dublin, Ireland. With Marillion (1982-).

Paul Kelly

Song(s):
Leaps and Bounds (1986)
To Her Door (1987)
From Little Things Big Things Grow (with the Messengers, 1991)

Album(s):
Post (1985)

Paula Kelly

Song(s):
Jeepers Creepers (Al Donahue with Paula Kelly, 1938)

R. Kelly

R&B singer and executive (Rockland Records) born Robert Sylvester Kelly on 1/8/1967 in Chicago, IL.

Song(s):
Bump N Grind (1994)
I Believe I Can Fly (1996)
Down Low (Nobody Has to Know) (1996)
I Wish (2000)
Ignition (remix) (2002)
Trapped in the Closet (2005)
Sex in the Kitchen (2005)

Album(s):
12 Play (1993)
R. (1998)
TP-2.com (2000)

Tom Kelly

Wynton Kelly

Jazz pianist born 12/2/1931 in Brooklyn, NY. Died 4/12/1971.

Hal Kemp

Bandleader, saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer born James Hal Kemp on 3/27/1904 in Marion, AL. Died 12/21/1940.

Song(s):
Shuffle Off to Buffalo (with Skinnay Ennis, 1933)
In the Middle of a Kiss (with Skinnay Ennis, 1935)
There’s a Small Hotel (with Maxine Grey, from On Your Toes, 1936)
When I’m with You (with Skinnay Ennis, 1936)
This Year’s Kisses (with Skinnay Ennis, 1937)
Where or When (with Bob Allen, 1937)

Johnny Kemp

Song(s):
Just Got Paid (1988)

The Kendalls

Song(s):
The Pittsburgh Stealers (1978)
Just Like Real People (1979)

Eddie Kendricks

R&B singer born 12/17/1939 in Union Springs, AL. Died 10/5/1992. With the Temptations (1960-71). Also a solo artist.

Song(s):
Keep on Truckin' (1973)

Jimmy Kennedy

Chris Kenner

Song(s):
Land of 1000 Dances (1963)

Bill Kenny

R&B tenor singer born 6/12/1914 in Philadelphia, PA. With The Ink Spots.

Kenny G

– see G, Kenny

Stan Kenton

Jazz/big band leader born 12/15/1911 in Wichita, KS. Died 8/25/1979.

Song(s):
Artistry in Rhythm (1944)

Kentucky Headhunters

Song(s):
Pickin' on Nashville (1990)

Kentucky Serenaders

Song(s):
Rose of Washington Square (1920)

Jerome Kern

DMDB profile page

Musical theater composer born 1/27/1885 in New York City, NY. Died 11/11/1945. Composed more than 700 songs used in more than 100 stage works. Collaborated with many of his era's greatest lyricists, including Ira Gershwin, Oscar Hammerstein II, Otto Harbach, Yip Harburg, and Johnny Mercer. Created dozens of Broadway musicals and Hollywood films over a career lasting more than four decades.

Songs Composed by Kern:
They Didn't Believe Me (1915) – see Harry MacDonough
Look for the Silver Lining (1921) – see Marion Harris
Who? (1926) – see George Olsen
Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (from Show Boat, 1928) – see Ben Bernie
Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man (from Show Boat, 1928) – see Helen Morgan
Bill (from Show Boat, 1928) – see Helen Morgan
Ol' Man River (from Show Boat, 1932) – see Paul Robeson
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (from Roberta, 1933) – see Paul Whiteman
Yesterdays (1933) – see Leo Reisman
The Way You Look Tonight (1936) – see Fred Astaire
A Fine Romance (1936) – see Fred Astaire
All the Things You Are (from Very Warm for May, 1939) – see Tommy Dorsey
The Last Time I Saw Paris (1940) – see Kate Smith
Long Ago and Far Away (1944) – see Dick Haymes
I’ll Buy That Dream (1945) – see Dick Haymes
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (from Roberta, 1958) – see The Platters

Album(s):
Show Boat (composed with Oscar Hammerstein II, musical: 1927; soundtrack: 1951)

Nik Kershaw

Song(s):
Wouldn’t It Be Good (1984)

Larry Kert

Song(s):
Tonight (with Carol Lawrence, 1957)

Kesha (Ke$ha)

Song(s):
Right Round (2009) – see Flo Rida
Tik Tok (2009)
We R Who We R (2010)
Timber (2013) – see Pitbull

Album(s):
Animal (2010)

Francis Scott Key

Song(s) written by Key:
The Star-Spangled Banner (1814)
The Star-Spangled Banner (1892) – see Gilmore's Band
The Star-Spangled Banner (1916) – see Charles Adams Prince
The Star-Spangled Banner (1917) – see John McCormack
The Star-Spangled Banner (1969) – see Jimi Hendrix

Alicia Keys

R&B/pop singer and pianist born Alicia Augello Cook 1/25/1981 in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan, NY.

Song(s):
Fallin’ (2001)
A Woman’s Worth (2001)
You Don't Know My Name (2003)
If I Ain’t Got You (2004)
My Boo (2004) – see Usher
No One (2007)
Empire State of Mind (2009) – see Jay-Z
Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready) (2010)
Girl on Fire (with Nicki Minaj, 2012)

Album(s):
Songs in A Minor (2001)
The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003)
As I Am (2007)
Girl on Fire (2012)

Bobby Keys

Saxophonist born Robert Henry Keys on 12/18/1943 in Slaton, TX. Died 12/2/2014 in Franklin, TN. He worked with Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, George Harrison, John Lennon, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Harry Nilsson, and the Rolling Stones.

Aram Khachaturian

Classical composer.

Album(s):
Concerto for Piano & Orchestra (1936)

Khalid

Song(s):
1-800-273-8255 (2017) – see Logic
Young, Dumb & Broke (2017)
Location (2017)
Silence (2017) – see Marshmello
Eastside (2018) – see Benny Blanco
Lovely (2018) – see Billie Eilish
Better (2018)
Talk (2019)
Beautiful People (2019) – see Ed Sheeran

Album(s):
American Teen (2017)
Free Spirit (2019)

Chaka Khan (& Rufus)

R&B singer born Yvette Marie Stevens on 3/23/1953 in Naval Station Great Lakes, IL.

Song(s):
Tell Me Something Good (with Rufus, 1974)
Sweet Thing (with Rufus, 1975)
I’m Every Woman (1978)
Ain’t Nobody (with Rufus, 1983)
I Feel for You (1984)

Album(s):
Ask Rufus (1977)
Funk This (2007)

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Qawwali singer born 10/13/1948 in Pakistan. Died 8/16/1997.

Song(s):
Tum Agar Yuhi Nazren (1988)

Kid Cudi

Song(s):
Pursuit of Happiness (Nightmare) (with MGMT & Ratatat, 2009)
The Scotts (2020) – see Travis Scott

Album(s):
Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009)

Johnny Kidd & the Pirates

Song(s):
Shakin’ All Over (1960)

Kidd Creole

Rapper born Nathaniel Glover Jr. on 2/19/1960 in the Bronx, NY. With Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five.

Kid Ink

Song(s):
Worth It (2015) – see Fifth Harmony

Kid Laroi

Song(s):
Without You (2020)
Stay (with Justin Bieber, 2020)

Nicole Kidman

Song(s):
Come What May (with Ewan McGregor, 2001)

Kid Rock

Rap/rock singer/songwriter born Robert James Ritchie on 1/17/1971 in Romeo, MI.

Song(s):
Only God Knows Why (1998)
Bawitdaba (1998)
Cowboy (1999)
Picture (with Sheryl Crow, 2001)
All Summer Long (2007)
Lean on Me (2010) – see Sheryl Crow

Album(s):
Devil without a Cause (1998)

Kids from Fame

Album(s):
Kids from Fame (1982)

Anthony Kiedis

Rock singer/songwriter born 11/1/1962 in Grand Rapids, MI. With the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Greg Kihn Band

Song(s):
The Breakup Song (1981)

The Killers

Song(s):
Somebody Told Me (2004)
Mr. Brightside (2004)
All These Things That I've Done (2004)
Jenny Was a Friend of Mine (2004)
Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town (2005)
Read My Mind (2006)

Album(s):
Hot Fuss (2004)
Sam's Town (2006)
Imploding the Mirage (2020)

Killing Heidi

Song(s):
Mascara/Leave Me Alone (2000)

Killing Joke

Song(s):
Eighties (1984)

Album(s):
Killing Joke (1980)

Lemmy Kilmister

Andy Kim

Song(s):
Rock Me Gently (1974)

Kimbra

Song(s):
Somebody That I Used to Know (2011) – see Gotye

Albert King

American blues guitarist and singer born Albert Nelson on 4/25/1923 in Indianola, Mississippi. Died 12/21/1992.

Song(s):
Born Under a Bad Sign (1967)
I’ll Play the Blues for You (1972)

Album(s):
Born Under a Bad Sign (1967)
Live Wire/Blues Power (1968)
I'll Play the Blues for You (1972)

B.B. King

Blues singer and guitarist born Riley B. King on 9/16/1925 in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Died 5/14/2015. Moved to Memphis in 1946. Own radio show on WDIA-Memphis, 1949-50, when he was dubbed "The Beale Street Blues Boy," later shortened to "Blues Boy," then simply "B.B." First blues singer to tour the USSR (1979).

Song(s):
Three O'Clock Blues (1951)
Every Day I Have the Blues (1955)
Sweet Little Angel (1956)
Sweet Sixteen (1960)
Rock Me Baby (1964)
The Thrill Is Gone (1969)

Album(s):
Singin' the Blues (1956)
Live at the Regal (live: 1964)
Live in Cook County Jail (1971)
King of the Blues (box: 1949-91, released 1992)
Riding with the King (2000) – see Eric Clapton

Ben E. King

R&B singer born Benjamin Earl Nelson on 9/28/1938 in Henderson, NC. Died 4/30/2015. Moved to New York in 1947. Worked with the Moonglows for six months while still in high school. Joined the Five Crowns in 1957, which became the new Drifters (1959-60). Went solo in 1960.

Song(s):
Spanish Harlem (1960)
Stand by Me (1961)
Don’t Play That Song (1962)

Carole King

Singer/songwriter and pianist born Carole Joan Klein on 2/9/1942 in Manhattan, NY. Married lyricist Gerry Goffin in 1958; they wrote a number of hits together as part of the famous Brill Building team. Divorced in 1968. She recorded her first solo album in 1970 and became a Grammy darling the next year with four awards.

Songs Written by Carole King:
Top 50 Songs
Will You Love Me Tomorrow (1960) – see the Shirelles
Up on the Roof (1962) – see the Drifters
The Loco-Motion (1962) – see Little Eva
You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman (1967) – see Aretha Franklin
You've Got a Friend (1971)
You've Got a Friend (1971) – see James Taylor
The Loco-Motion (1974) – see Grand Funk Railroad
The Loco-Motion (1987) – see Kylie Minogue

Songs Written and Performed by King:
It Might As Well Rain Until September (1962)
It’s Too Late (1971)
I Feel the Earth Move (1971)
You've Got a Friend (1971)
You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman (1971)

Album(s):
Tapestry (1971)
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (musical: 2014)

Claude King

Song(s):
Wolverton Mountain (1962)

Ed King

Rock guitarist born 9/14/1949 in Glendale, CA. Died 8/22/2018. With Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Evelyn "Champagne" King

Song(s):
Shame (1978)

Elle King

Song(s):
Ex's and Oh's (2014)

Freddy King (aka Freddie King)

Blues guitarist born 9/3/1934 in Gilmer, TX. Died 12/28/1976. Nicknamed "The Texas Cannonball". Acknowledged as an important influence by the likes of Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, Peter Green, Jeff Beck, and Carlos Santana. After his family moved to Chicago in 1950, he learned from blues masters like Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Jimmie Rodgers.

Song(s):
Hide Away (1961)
I'm Tore Down (1961)

Album(s):
Freddy King Sings (1961)
Hide Away (1969)

Henry King

Song(s):
Good Night Little Girl of My Dreams (with Joe Study, 1933)

Mark King

Pee Wee King

Country singer born Julius Frank Anthony Kuczynski on 2/18/1914 in Abrams, W. Died 3/7/2000.

Song(s):
Tennessee Waltz (1948)
Bonaparte’s Retreat (1951)
Slow Poke (Pee Wee King & His Golden West Cowboys with Redd Stewart, 1951)

Wayne King

Jazz/big band leader born Harold Wayne King on 2/16/1901 in Savannna, IL. Died 7/16/1985.

Song(s):
The Waltz You Saved for Me (with Ernie Burchill, 1930)
Dream a Little Dream of Me (with Ernie Burchill, 1931)
Goodnight Sweetheart (with Ernie Burchill, 1931)

Saunders King

Song(s):
S.K. Blues (1942)

King Crimson

English progressive rock group. Active: 1969- Members: Robert Fripp (g/k/mellotron: 69-75,81-84,94-96), Greg Lake (v/b: 69-70), Ian McDonald (k/woodwinds/mellotron: 69, 74-75; g, k – Foreigner: 76-80), Michael Giles (d: 69-70), Gordon Haskell (v: 70-71), Keith Tippet (piano; 70-72), Mel Collins (sax, flute: 70-72, 75), Peter Giles (b: 70), Raymond "Boz" Burrell (b – King Crimson: 71-72; Bad Company: 73-87,99), Ian Wallace (d: 71), David Cross (violin, viola, mellotron, k: 73-75), John Wetton (b/v: 73-75), Bill Bruford (d: 73-75,81-84,94-96), Jamie Muir (percussion: 73-74), Robin Miller (woodwinds: 74), Tony Levin (b, Chapman Stick: 81-84,94-96), Adrian Belew (v/g/k: 81-84,94-96), Trey Gunn (Chapman Stick: 94-96), Pat Mastelotto (d: 94-96)

Song(s):
21st Century Schizoid Man (1969)
In the Court of the Crimson King (1969)
Epitaph (1969)
Starless (1974)

Album(s):
In the Court of the Crimson King (1969)
Larks' Tongue in Aspic (1973)
Red (1974)

Phil Kingsbury

King's College Choir

Album(s):
Festival of Lessons and Carols as Sung on Christmas Eve in King's College Chapel, Cambridge (1954)

The Kingsmen

Song(s):
Louie Louie (1963)
The Jolly Green Giant (1965)

Album(s):
Best of (compilation, 1991)

Kings of Leon

Rock band formed in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1999. Consists of brothers Caleb (vocals, rhythm guitar), Nathan (drums, percussion), and Jared Followill (bass) with their cousin Matthew Followill (guitar, keyboards).

Song(s):
Sex on Fire (2008)
Use Somebody (2008)
Radioactive (2010)
Waste a Moment (2016)
The Bandit (2021)

Album(s):
Youth & Young Manhood (2003)
Only by the Night (2008)
Come Around Sundown (2010)

Sean Kingston

Song(s):
Beautiful Girls (2007)

The Kingston Trio

Song(s):
Tom Dooley (1958)
Where Have All the Flowers Gone? (1962)

Album(s):
The Kingston Trio (1958)
From the Hungry I (live, 1959)
At Large (1959)
Sold Out (1960)
String Along (1960)

The Kinks

Rock group formed in London. Active: 1963-1994 Members: Ray Davies (v/g), Dave Davies (g/v), Peter Quaife (b), Mike Avory (d). Numerous personnel changes during the ‘70s. Ian Gibbons (k: 81-89), Bob Henrit (d – Argent: 81-95), Jim Rodford (b – Argent; Kinks: 81-95)

Song(s):
You Really Got Me (1964)
All Day and All of the Night (1964)
A Well Respected Man (1965)
Where Have All the Good Times Gone (1965)
Tired of Waiting for You (1965)
Till the End of the Day (1965)
Dead End Street (1965)
Big Black Smoke (1965)
Sunny Afternoon (1966)
Waterloo Sunset (1967)
Autumn Almanac (1967)
Village Green Preservation Society (1968)
Days (1968)
Lola (1970)
Muswell Hillbillies (1971)
Celluloid Heroes (1972)
Alcochol (1972)
Father Christmas (1977)
Come Dancing (1983)
Don’t Forget to Dance (1983)

Album(s):
Something Else (1967)
Village Green Preservation Society (1968)
Muswell Hillbillies (1971)
Kronikles (compilation: 1966-71, released 1972)
Greatest Hits (compilation, 1989)

Kathy Kirby

Song(s):
Dance On (1963)

Andy Kirk

Song(s):
Until the Real Thing Comes Along (with Pha Terrell, 1936)
I Won’t Tell a Soul I Love You (with Pha Terrell, 1938)

Don Kirshner

Music executive/manager born 4/17/1934 in Bronx, NY. Died 1/17/2011. Known as "The Man with the Golden Ear." Worked as a songwriter at New York's famous Brill Building. Was pivotal in creating The Monkees and The Archies. Hosted live TV music show Don Kirshner's Rock Concert from 1973-1982.

Dorothy Kirsten

Danny Kirwan

Blues-rock guitarist born 5/13/1950 in Brixton, London, England. Died 6/8/2018. With Fleetwood Mac (1968-72).

Kiseki

Song(s):
Greeeen (2009)

Kiss

Hard rock group formed in New York City. Noted for elaborate makeup and highly theatrical stage shows. Group appeared without makeup for the first time in 1983 on album cover Lick It Up, but returned to performing in their elaborate makeup and costumes. Active: 1973- Members: Gene Simmons (b/v), Paul Stanley (rhythm g/v), Paul "Ace" Frehley (g/v: 73-82, 96-), Peter Criss (d/v: 73-81, 96-), Eric Carr (d/v: 81-91; died of cancer on 11/25/91), Vinnie Vincent (g: 82-84), Mark St. John (g: 84-85), Bruce Kulick (g: 85-96), Eric Singer (d: 91-96)

Song(s):
Kiss: Top 20 Songs
Deuce (1974)
Rock and Roll All Nite (1975)
Detroit Rock City (1976)
Beth (1976)
I Was Made for Lovin' You (1979)
Lick It Up (1983)
Heaven's on Fire (1984)
Tears Are Falling (1985)

Album(s):
Alive! (live, 1975)
Destroyer (1976)

The DMDB Blog:
Why Kiss Belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2/12/2011)

Evgeny Kissin

Classical pianist.

Eartha Kitt

American singer born 1/17/1927. Died 12/25/2008.

Song(s):
Santa Baby (1953)

Michael Kiwanuka

Song(s):
Black Man in a White World (2017)

Album(s):
Kiwanuka (2019)

Kix

Song(s):
Don't Close Your Eyes (1988)

Viola Klaiss

Song(s):
Ramona (1928) – see Gene Austin

Klaxons

Song(s):
Golden Skans (2007)

Album(s):
Myths of the Near Future (2007)

Allen Klein

Music manager born 12/18/1931 in Newark, NJ. Died 7/4/2009. With The Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

The KLF

Song(s):
3 A.M. Eternal (1991)
America: What Time Is Love? (1992)

Album(s):
Chill Out (1990)

Olive Kline

Song(s):
They Didn't Believe Me (1915) – see Harry MacDonough
Hello Frisco! (with Edward Hamilton, 1915)
Kiss Me Again (1916)

Josh Klinghoffer

Rock guitarist born 10/3/1979 in Santa Monica, CA. With Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Klymaxx

Song(s):
I Miss You (1984)

The Knack

Song(s):
My Sharona (1979)

The Knickerbocker Quartet

Song(s):
Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile (1917)

The Knickerbockers

Song(s):
Lies (1965)

The Knight Brothers

Song(s):
Temptation ‘Bout to Get Me (1965)

Evelyn Knight

Song(s):
A Little Bird Told Me (with the Stardusters, 1948)
Powder Your Face with Sunshine (Smile! Smile! Smile!) (with the Stardusters, 1948)

Gladys Knight (& The Pips)

R&B singer born 5/28/1944 in Atlanta, GA. The Pips: her brother Merald "Bubba" Knight and sister Brenda (58-59) with cousins William and Eleanor Guest (58-59). Named "Pips" for their manager, cousin James "Pips" Woods. First recorded for Brunswick in 1958. Later members: cousins Edward Patten (59-; died of a stroke on 2/25/2005 at age 65) and Langston George (59-62). Due to legal problems, Gladys couldn't record with the Pips from 1977-80.

Song(s):
I Heard It Through the Grapevine (with the Pips, 1967)
If I Were Your Woman (with the Pips, 1970)
Midnight Train to Georgia (with the Pips, 1973)
Neither One of Us Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye (with the Pips, 1973)
That's What Friends Are For (1985) – see Dionne Warwick

Album(s):
Imagination (with the Pips, 1973)

Merald Knight

R&B singer born 9/4/1942 in Atlanta, GA. With Gladys Knight & the Pips.

Holly Knight

Rock songwriter.

Songwriting credits include:
Aerosmith ("Rag Doll")
Animotion ("Obsession")
Pat Benatar ("Love Is a Battlefield", "Invincible")
Heart ("Never")
Scandal ("The Warrior")
Rod Stewart ("Love Touch")
Tina Turner ("Better Be Good to Me", "The Best")
John Waite ("Change")

Jean Knight

Song(s):
Mr. Big Stuff (1971)

Robert Knight

Song(s):
Everlasting Love (1967)

Suge Knight

Record executive with Death Row Records (Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, Snoop Dogg’s Doggy Style). Born Marion Hugh Knight Jr. on 4/19/1965 in Compton, CA.

David Knopfler

Rock guitarist born 12/27/1952 in Glasgow, Scotland. With Dire Straits (1977-80).

Mark Knopfler

Rrock singer/songwriter and guitarist born 8/12/1949 in Glasgow, Scotland. With Dire Straits (1977-95) and Notting Hillibillies.

Beyonce Knowles

– see Beyoncé

Mathew Knowles

Record executive and manager born 1/9/1952 in Gadsden, AL. With Destiny's Child, which featured his daughter and future solo star Beyoncé. Also father of R&B singer Solange.

Buddy Knox

Song(s):
Party Doll (1957)

Keith Knudsen

Rock drummer born 2/18/1948 in Le Mars, IA. Died 2/8/2005. With Doobie Brothers (1973-82, 1987, 1993-2005).

Kodak Black

Song(s):
Tunnel Vision (2017)
Zeze (with Travis Scott, 2018)

Ted Koehler

Song(s) written by Koehler:
Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin' All the Time) (with Harold Arlen, 1933) – see Ethel Waters
Stormy Weather (Keeps Rainin' All the Time) (with Harold Arlen, 1933) – see Lena Horne

Bob Koester

Koji Kondo

Song(s):
Super Mario Bros. Theme (1986)

Kool & the Gang

Song(s):
Jungle Boogie (1973)
Funky Stuff (1973)
Hollywood Swinging (1973)
Ladies’ Night (1979)
Celebration (1980)
Get Down on It (1982)

Album(s):
Emergency (1984)

The Kooks

Song(s):
Naïve (2006)

Al Kooper

Rock keyboardist born Alan Peter Kuperschmidt in Brooklyn, NY on 2/5/1944. With Blood, Sweat & Tears who also worked with Bob Dylan (“Like a Rolling Stone") and the Rolling Stones (“You Can’t Always Get What You Want"). Produced Lynyrd Skynyrd’s first three albums.

Korn

Song(s):
Blind (1994)
Freak on a Leash (1998)
Got the Life (1998)

Album(s):
Korn (1994)
Follow the Leader (1998)

Erich Wolfgang Korngold

Classical composer.

Album(s):
The Adventures of Robin Hood (soundtrack: 1938)
Violin Concerto (1945)

André Kostelanetz

Russian classical conductor and arranger born 12/22/1901. Died 1/13/1980.

Leo Kottke

Dave Koz

Kraftwerk

Electronic/synth-pop band from Dusseldorf, West Germany. 1970-. Ralf Hütter (v/k: 70-) is the one consistent member. Other long-term members included Karl Bartos (percussion/k: 75-91), Wolfgang Flür (percussion: 73-87) and Florian Schneider (k: 70-08).

Song(s):
Autobahn (1974)
Radio Activity (1975)
Showroom Dummies (1977)
Trans-Europe Express (1977)
The Model (Das Modell) (1978)
Computer Love (1981)

Album(s):
Autobahn (1974)
Trans Europa Express (1977)
Die Mensch Maschine (The Man Machine) (1978)
Computer World (1981)

Billy J. Kramer & the Dakotas

Song(s):
Bad to Me (1963)
Little Children (1964)

Eddie Kramer

Producer born 4/19/1942 in Cape Town, South Africa. Worked with Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Kiss, and Peter Frampton.

Joey Kramer

Rock drummer born 6/21/1950 in the Bronx, NY. With Aerosmith.

Alison Krauss (& Union Station)

Country/bluegrass singer born 7/23/1971 in Champaign, IL. Has recorded as a solo artist, with her group Union Station, and as a duo with Robert Plant. Has won 27 Grammys.

Song(s):
When You Say Nothing at All (& Union Station, 1995)
The Lucky One (& Union Station, 2001)
Whiskey Lullaby (2004) – see Brad Paisley
Big Log (2004) – see Viktor Krauss
Please Read the Letter (with Robert Plant, 2007)

Album(s):
Lonely Runs Both Ways (with Union Station, 2004)
Raising Sand (2007) – see Robert Plant
Raise the Roof (2021) – see Robert Plant

Viktor Krauss

Song(s):
Big Log (with Alison Krauss, 2004)
Shine on You Crazy Diamond (with Shawn Colvin, 2007)

Kreator

Album(s):
Pleasure to Kill (1986)

Lenny Kravitz

Rock singer/songwriter ("It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over," "Fly," "Again") born 5/26/1964 in Manhattan, NY.

Song(s):
Let Love Rule (1989)
Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993)

Fritz Kreisler

Herbert Kretzmer

Song(s):
On My Own (from Les Misérables, 1985)
I Dreamed a Dream (from Les Misérables, 2009) – see Susan Boyle

Album(s):
Les Misérables (musical: 1980, soundtrack: 2012) – see Claude-Michel Schönberg

Bill Kreutzmann

Rock drummer born 5/7/1946 in Palo Alto, CA. With Grateful Dead.

Robby Krieger

Rock guitarist born 1/8/1946 in Los Angeles, CA. With The Doors.

Kris Kross

Song(s):
Jump (1992)

Album(s):
Totally Krossed Out (1992)

Kris Kristofferson

Country singer/songwriter born 6/22/1936 in Brownsville, TX.

Songs written by Kristofferson:
Me and Bobby McGee (1971) – see Janis Joplin
Help Me Make It Through the Night (1971) – see Sammi Smith

Songs performed by Kristofferson:
Highwayman (1985) – see The Highwaymen

Album(s):
Kristofferson (aka "Me and Bobby McGee") (1970)
A Star Is Born (soundtrack: 1976) – see Barbra Streisand

Chad Kroeger

Rock singer born 11/15/1974 in Hanna, Alberta, Canada. With Nickelback (95-). Song(s):
Hero (with Josey Scott, 2002)
Why Don't You and I? (2002) – see Santana

Lisa Kron

Album(s):
Fun Home (musical: 2013) – see Jeanine Tesori

Benny Krueger

Song(s):
All by Myself (1921)
I Cried for You (1923)
Yes! We Have No Bananas (with Billy Jones, 1923)
That Old Gang of Mine (1923)
Bye Bye Blackbird (1926)

Gene Krupa

Jazz/big band leader and drummer born Eugene Bertram Krupa on 1/15/1909 in Chicago, IL. Died 10/16/1973.

Song(s):
Rockin’ Chair (with Gene Eldridge, 1941)
Bonaparte’s Retreat (with Bobby Scots, 1950)

Dave Krusen

Grunge-rock drummer with Pearl Jam (1990-92).

K's Choice

Song(s):
Rockin’ in the Free World (1994) – see Indigo Girls
Not an Addict (1995)

Bob Kuban

Song(s):
The Cheater (1966)

Ed Kuepper

Song(s):
Everything I’ve Got Belongs to You (1990)

Kungs vs. Cookin' on 3 Burners

Song(s):
This Girl (2016)

Erich Kunzel

Greg Kurstin

Record producer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter born Gregory Allen Kurstin on 5/14/1969 in Los Angeles, CA. He has worked with Lily Allen, Beck, Kelly Clarkson, the Foo Fighters, Halsey, Paul McCartney, Maren Morris, Pink, and Sia. He co-founded the group Geggy Tah.

Fela Kuti

Afrobeat musician and composer born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti on 10/15/1938 in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Died 8/2/1997.

Song(s):
Zombie (1976)
Sorrow, Tear, and Blood (1977)
Original Sufferhead (1980)

Album(s):
Roforofo Flight (1972)
Zombie (1977)

Kygo

Song(s):
Firestone (with Conrad, 2015)
It Ain’t Me (with Selena Gomez, 2017)

Kyle

Song(s):
iSpy (2017)

Kay Kyser

Jazz/big band leader born James Kern Kyser on 6/18/1905 in Rocky Mount, NC. Died 7/23/1985. Among the most popular of "sweet" dance bands, best known for his radio "Kollege of Musical Knowledge", singers Harry Babbitt & Ginny Simms, and trumpet personality Ish Kabibble.

Song(s):
The Umbrella Man (with Ginny Simms & Harry Babbitt, 1938)
Three Little Fishies (Itty Bitty Poo) (with Harry Babbitt, 1939)
There'll Be Bluebirds Over the Cliffs of Dover (1941)
Jingle, Jangle, Jingle (with Harry Babbitt & Julie Conway, 1942)
Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition (with Glee Club, 1942)
He Wears a Pair of Silver Wings (with Harry Babbitt, 1942)
Ole Buttermilk Sky (with Michael Douglas, 1946)
Woody Woodpecker (with Gloria Wood, 1948)
On a Slow Boat to China (Kay Kyser with Harry Babbitt and Gloria Wood, 1948)

Kyuss

Song(s):
Freedom Run (1992)

Album(s):
Welcome to Sky Valley (1994)

Click on a letter to choose a recording act ("S" for Bruce Springsteen, "B" for Beatles, etc.). Shown with the act are its major awards, short bios for select acts (generally adapted from Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954 and Top Pop Singles: Billboard books), and links to albums and songs reviewed by the DMDB.