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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.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z VARIOUS ARTISTS
You can also check the search engine for names, albums, songs, and other content on this site:
Bert Kaempfert 
Song(s):
Wonderland by Night (1960) 
Irving Kahal
Gus Kahn
Song(s) written/co-written by Kahn:
Ain't We Got Fun? (1921) – see Van & Schenck
Toot, Toot, Tootsie! (Goo'bye) (1922) – see Al Jolson
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)
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) 
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
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) 
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.
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) 
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):
Love Walked In (with Tommy Ryan, 1938)
Daddy (1941) 
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)
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)
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):
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 (guitar), David Paton (bass), and Stuart Elliott (drums) and Colin Blunstone (vocals). 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)
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) 
Ruby Keller
Song(s):
42nd Street (with Dick Powell & Ensemble, 1933)
Shotgun Tom Kelley
Radio DJ.
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)
Paul Kelly
Song(s):
To Her Door (1987) 
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)
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):
There’s a Small Hotel (with Maxine Grey, from On Your Toes, 1936)
Where or When (with Bob Allen, 1937)
Johnny Kemp
Song(s):
Just Got Paid (1988) 
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) 
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 
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
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) 
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)
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 SheeranAlbum(s):
American Teen (2017)
Free Spirit (2019)
Chaka Khan (& Rufus)
R&B singer ("I Feel for You") born Yvette Marie Stevens on 3/23/1953 in Naval Station Great Lakes, IL.
Song(s):
Tell Me Something Good (with Rufus, 1974)
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):
The Scotts (2020) – see Travis Scott
Johnny Kidd & the Pirates
Song(s):
Shakin’ All Over (1960)
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)
Picture (with Sheryl Crow, 2001)
All Summer Long (2007)
Lean on Me (2010) – see Sheryl CrowAlbum(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.
The Killers 
Song(s):
Mr. Brightside (2004) 
All These Things That I've Done (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)
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 in 1959. Went solo in 1960.
Song(s):
Spanish Harlem (1960)
Stand by Me (1961)
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 MinogueSongs Written and Performed by King:
It's Too Late (1971) 
I Feel the Earth Move (1971)
You've Got a Friend (1971)Album(s):
Tapestry (1971)
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (musical: 2014)
Claude King
Song(s):
Wolverton Mountain (1962)
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)
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):
Dream a Little Dream of Me (with Ernie Birchill, 1931) 
Goodnight Sweetheart (with Ernie Birchill, 1931) 
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)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 KingsmenSong(s):
Louie Louie (1963) 
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)
Tired of Waiting for You (1965)
Sunny Afternoon (1966)
Waterloo Sunset (1967)
Lola (1970)
Father Christmas (1977)
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)
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
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
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
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)
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) 
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 (1967)
Midnight Train to Georgia (1973)
That's What Friends Are For (1985) – see Dionne WarwickAlbum(s):
Imagination (with the Pips, 1973)
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.
Mark Knopfler
Rrock singer/songwriter and guitarist with Dire Straits. Born 8/12/1949 in Glasgow, Scotland.
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)
Kodak Black
Song(s):
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
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 with Blood, Sweat & Tears who also worked with Bob Dylan.
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) 
The Model (1978)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):
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 BoyleAlbum(s):
Les Misérables (musical: 1980, soundtrack: 2012) – see Claude-Michel Schönberg
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 SmithSongs performed by Kristofferson:
Highwayman (1985) – see The HighwaymenAlbum(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):
I Cried for You (1923)
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)
K's Choice
Song(s):
Rockin’ in the Free World (1994) – see Indigo Girls
Not an Addict (1996) 
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)Album(s):
Roforofo Flight (1972)
Zombie (1977)
Kygo
Song(s):
Firestone (with Conrad, 2015)
It Ain't Me (with Selena Gomez, 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):
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)
On a Slow Boat to China (Kay Kyser with Harry Babbitt and Gloria Wood, 1948)
Woody Woodpecker (with Gloria Wood, 1948)
Kyuss
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.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z VARIOUS ARTISTS
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Last updated January 21, 2023.
