July 30, 1958 – December 17, 2017

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Kevin Mahogany (July 30, 1958-Dec. 18, 2017) was one of the top jazz singers ever since he became prominent in the 1990s.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Mahogany played baritone saxophone while growing up, performing with bands while in high school

He switched his focus to singing while attending Baker University, graduating in 1981 and mostly working in Kansas City during the 1980s.

Mahogany’s debut CD, 1993’s Double Rainbow, really launched his career and he became recognized as one of the few significant male jazz singers during the 25 years before his unexpected death in 2017 from a stroke when he was just 59.

He not only had a voice that was perfect for ballads but was a brilliant scat singer.

Here is Kevin Mahogany in 2001, performing a warm version of “My Foolish Heart” and a spirited rendition of “On Green Dolphin Street” with the Ray Brown Trio at a concert in Europe.

Personnel:

Kevin Mahogany, vocals
Ray Brown, bass
Larry Fuller, piano
George Fludas, drums

-Scott Yanow

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