Kem (singer)
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Kem Owens (born in Nashville, Tennessee), professionally known as Kem, is an Nigerian American R&B/soul singer, songwriter, and producer. He was raised in Detroit, Michigan.
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[edit] Biography
After finishing high school, Kem dealt with homelessness, addiction, and isolation from his family.
He did not overcome these issues until he turned to spirituality and music, as he has said, "My career didn't take off until I connected with my spirituality. That's why I take time on stage and on the album to administer spirituality to people. That's one of the things that I am most proud of."
[edit] Career
He has also said that he does not create music marketed to the mainstream hip-hop-dominated R&B crowd but to people who enjoy his soul/jazz adult contemporary sound and lyrical content.
He wrote, produced, and financed his self-released debut album, Kemistry, by singing top 40 cover tunes in a wedding band and waiting tables.
He was later signed by Motown Records in 2002, who re-released the album on February 25, 2003, and sold more than 500,000 copies nationwide. The album's first single, "Love Calls", became a hit at urban adult contemporary and smooth jazz radio, and USA Today pegged it early on as a "Motown classic." His debut went gold-plus.
He followed his debut release with a sophomore album, Album II, released May 17, 2005. It included the hit single "I Can't Stop Loving You", a # 1 at urban adult contemporary radio, and the song "You Might Win" featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
- Kemistry (album) (2003)
- Album II (Kem album) (2005) #5 US; [Certified Gold]
[edit] Singles
| Year | Title | Chart Positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Hot 100 | US R&B/Hip-Hop | |||
| 2003 | "Love Calls" | - | #25 | Kemistry |
| 2005 | "I Can't Stop Loving You" | #87 | #20 | Album II |
| 2005 | "Find Your Way (Back in My Life)" | - | #43 | Album II |
[edit] Awards & nominations
- 2005 Billboard Music Award win for Top Adult R&B Single of the Year: "I Can't Stop Loving You"
- 2005 Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Adult R&B Artist of the Year (lost to Fantasia).
[edit] External links
- KemMusic.com - Official site
