Some people study the history of contemporary music. Others live and make that history a reality. Jeannie Kendall belongs to the elite latter group. Jeannie Kendall's life has prepared her for the success of her latest project, "All The Girl's I Am." As a singer she's recorded music in all genres, and is recognized by her peers as one of country's top voices. As a woman she's traveled through 'young and unknowing' standing next to her father as a part of The Kendall's, to 'experienced and confident' as a solo artist. As some women may try on a new fashion look, Jeannie Kendall approached "All The Girls I Am" with a pleasurable freedom of musical choice. She sings what feels right to her, not looking at the musical label. She demonstrates with "All the Girls I Am" all the girls she's destined to become.
Jeannie Kendall was born November 13, 1954 in St. Louis, MO to parents Royce and Melba Kendall. At the time of Jeannie's birth, the family owned a combination beauty shop/ barbershop. But prior to his daughter Jeannie's birth, her father Royce, had experienced the sweet flavor of applause, and never completely lost the taste for it. He had performed with his brother Floyce as the Austin Brothers, achieving some success. Entertaining was a part of who Royce was, yet he set that part of himself aside to provide a stable income for his family.
As a child, Jeannie's vocal ability was constantly being acknowledged by teachers in her schools. They brought what they thought was 'news' to her parents. Time and time again Jeannie's parents reply would be a polite, "Yes, we know that she can sing." What her parents didn't express was their concern. They also knew the heartbreak and rejection that a life in the music business could bring to their talented little girl. All the while, Royce Kendall listened carefully to his daughter, knowing the inevitable in his heart; she was destined to sing.
Kendall cautiously encouraged his daughter to develop her voice. He, the proud father, would sing the harmony parts behind Jeannie's crystal clear - pitch perfect voice. They not only created a unique duo, 'father - daughter;' but also a distinctive sound.
Not being one to jump into anything without due consideration, Royce Kendall, approached a friend who had connections in Nashville, TN. He asked him the question that thousands of hopeful performers ask: "Do you think we're good enough to make it?" The response was yes; and at age 16, Jeannie Kendall found herself at her father's side, pursuing a musical career.
The father and daughter were introduced to Nashville legend, producer Pete Drake. Drake was so impressed, that he almost immediately asked 16 year old Jeannie Kendall to sing harmony on a pop project he was recording with Beatle, Ringo Star. The challenge to Jeannie was not only the normal adoration of 'a Beatle' but also the fact that she had never sung harmony. Harmony was what her father did. Nervously, she stepped into history for the first time, as she sang harmony on "I Wouldn't Have You Any Other Way," released on Ringo's 'Beacoups of Blues' project in 1970. When recently asked during an interview what her friends back at high school said about her meeting a Beatle, Kendall replied that she never told anyone. Wise beyond her years, the teen instinctively knew that it was best to keep the two worlds apart.
The Kendall's went on to record for Stop Records and DOT Records. They left DOT Records due to pressure on Jeannie to break up the duo and record as an individual artist. They were right to stay together. In 1977 The Kendall's signed with Ovation Records recording a string of hits including Grammy® winning and 1978 CMA (Country Music Association) "Single of the Year" "Heaven's Just a Sin Away," (#1 for four weeks; remaining on the charts for five months) "Makin' Believe," "It Don't Feel Like Sinnin' To Me," "Sweet Desire," "Pittsburgh Stealers," and "Thank God for the Radio." Jeannie's vocal style was so pure and accurate that songs were recorded without overdubs; perfect on the first take.
The Kendall's continued to entertain on the road and record throughout the '80's and '90's. Then in 1998, while recording an acoustic project for Rounder Records, Royce Kendall suddenly passed away at the age of 63. His untimely death left Jeannie to fulfill the obligation, and finish the project alone.
Jeannie then took some much needed time off, and devoted herself to searching her soul and regaining her inner peace. She found herself seeking answers to the unasked question of what should come next in her now drastically changed life. Kendall's manager and producer encouraged her to come back into the studio. He asked her to be open minded in choosing songs; maybe creating a new sound, one that would reflect who she had become, yet a sound that would welcome the daughter she had been.
"All The Girls I Am" became the tool that brought Jeanine Kendall into her own; that perfect mix of her country roots, blending in the new woman who stood, now alone, with confidence, listening to an inner voice that was demanding to be expressed. Stretching at times into the world of pop, Jeannie Kendall's "All the Girls I Am" embraces songs that are becoming mantras for women everywhere. The title cut, "All the Girls I Am" sets the mood for the project with its almost metaphysical approach to honoring the divine creature known as 'Girl.'
"You Just Don't Get Me Do You?" with its pop production and edgy hook immediately grabbed the attention of the R&R CHR/Pop Indicator Chart, debuting the song at #46. It's real to life lyric delves into the different prospective a couple can hold while in a mutual relationship.
"Heaven and Mexico," "Out of Loneliness," "Wild Honey," and "Your Picture, Your Pillow & Me" all pull pages out of Kendall's book of expertise. They showcase her skills and ability to vocally interpreting the human stories that are the mainstay of country music classics. Yet, cuts like "It Always Rains" touches on a more jazzy, bluesy feel; again, expanding Kendall's range of style.
As a part of The Kendall's, Jeannie Kendall listened to her father as he guided her through the ups and downs of the music business. "Make A Dance," a song The Kendall's had previously recorded but never released, is the ultimate homage Jeannie Kendall could pay to her father, Royce Kendall. Not only does the lyric encourage the listener to make the best out of every situation in life, just as he had always encouraged her to do, but it also carries his voice singing harmony, right beside Jeannie's impeccable vocal.
No music project is recorded to be 'everything' to 'everybody.' Most are recorded to fit into the 'correct' bin in the record store; guiding the buyer to the 'pop' or 'country' projects section. But "All the Girls I Am" might not fit into one particular 'bin' comfortably. It's like any complicated woman; constantly changing, growing, expanding her horizons. Life is just like Jeannie Kendall expresses it; "All The Girls I Am."
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