Kenny Young
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Kenny Young is an American songwriter who has been active as writer / artist / producer between 1963 up to the present. His most famous song was "Under the Boardwalk," recorded by The Drifters in 1964 and by The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, and many other artists; this was followed through the 1960s by top 10 songs for Ronnie Dove, Herman's Hermits, Reparata and the Delrons, Clodagh Rodgers, Fox, Yellow Dog and others.
In 1974 Young founded Fox, a band featuring Susan Traynor as lead singer and who adopted the stage name Noosha Fox. The band broke up in 1977. Fox had 3 top 10 hits in the UK and other European countries.
Young's other bands were Yellow Dog, Gentlemen Without Weapons, 39 Vybes, and Rhythms del Mundo.
Grew up in the lower East Side of Manhattan, attended Seward Park High School, City University of New York (CUNY), majored in sociology and psychology. Singer songwriter in the 60s (many singles issued under his own name and as "The Squirels" and other names). Wrote songs in the Brill Building for The Drifters, Herman's Hermits, The Searchers, Ben E. King, The Shirelles, Kenny Rogers and many others. Wrote and produced over 25 chart records in his career. His songs included many top ten hits, "Under the Boardwalk," "Arizona" and the Grammy Award winning song, "Ai No Corrida" among them. Moved to England in 1970. Formed "Moonshine" (two singles) and then signed with Warner Bros in 1972 and record two albums: "Clever Dogs Chase The Sun" and the science fiction rock opera "Last Stage For Silverworld."
His songs have been recorded by The Rolling Stones, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, The Beach Boys, Jungle Brothers, The Jackson 5, Quincy Jones, Joni Mitchell, Debbie Harry, Sam and Dave, Lenny Kravitz, Iggy Pop, Rickie Lee Jones, Gilberto Gil, Kate Bush among others.
Young formed two UK bands Fox and Yellow Dog with whom he played, wrote and produced their top ten hits.
He has been concerned about environmental issues for years and in the 1980s co-founded the rainforest conservation organization, Earth Love Fund, with colleagues Vic Coppersmith-Heaven and Nick Glennie-Smith.
Was recipient of the United Nations Global 500 Award for outstanding practical achievements in the protection and improvement of the environment for his work as co-founder and trustee of the Earth Love Fund, which supported and initiated over 200 community based projects in Brazil, Africa, Asia and Australia.
Co-produced the Hollywood Genesis Award winning film Spirit of the Forest, which was a BBC-TV documentary about the destruction of the Amazon Rainforest.
Co-produced the album Earthrise, which was no.1 in the UK and released worldwide featuring U2, Paul McCartney, Sting, Pink Floyd, Elton John, Paul Simon, R.E.M., Peter Gabriel, Queen, Seal and many others for ELF's conservation projects for the world's rainforests.
Wrote and co-produced the song "Spirit of the Forest," which was a benefit record released by Richard Branson's Virgin Records and featured over 50 major international artists including Joni Mitchell, Ringo Starr, Lenny Kravitz, LL Cool J, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, The Ramones, Iggy Pop, Debbie Harry, Gilberto Gil, Djavan, Rita Lee, Marisa Monte, Belinda Carlisle, Jungle Brothers, Afrika Bambaataa and many others.
Wrote and co-produced and performed on album Transmissions by Gentlemen Without Weapons on A&M Records. The band used only samples of nature for the music. A unique album, with a video produced by Pink Floyd's art director Storm Thorgeson, who also designed the album cover.
Co-produced ELF's album Earthrise II, which featured top international names including Elton John, U2, The Cranberries, Shane MacGowan, R.E.M., Tears for Fears, Genesis, Eurythmics, Stereo MCs, Meat Loaf and more.
Produced the album Planet Electrica in aid and relief of Hurricane Mitch. The album featured the top names in dance music, including The Chemical Brothers, Massive Attack, Fatboy Slim, Underworld, Roni Size and Reprazent, LTJ Bukem, Les Rythmes Digitales, and many others.
Most recently produced the album Rhythms del Mundo with musicians from Buena Vista Social Club and featured Coldplay, Sting, U2, Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, Dido, Ibrahim Ferrer, Radiohead, Omara Portuondo and other top international artists. The proceeds from the album benefits the environmental nonprofit organization Artists Project Earth, which raises awareness and funds for climate change projects and for disaster relief efforts.
