Kenny Elliott

Feb 12, 1952 - Feb 23, 2024

Kenny’s career as a professional drummer began at age 12 when he performed under the direction of the Red Saunders Orchestra at the Regal Theater. He was the staff drummer for Brunswick Records while teaching at the American Conservatory before moving to Los Angeles. Kenny toured with such greats as Lou Rawls, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, and Jeff Goldblum, and performed with Ella Fitzgerald, Lucy Arnez, Diahann Caroll, Carol Channing, Ray Charles, Al Green, Eddie Harris, Al Jarreau, Chaka Kahn, Cheryl Lynn, Billy Preston, Helen Reddy, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder.  

Kenny was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer suddenly on Dec 24, 2022 and went diligently through chemotherapy in 2023 while he taught at Neighborhood Music.  He took a leave in November, 2023, hoping to come back.  On February 3 he called Carolyn to make sure he was still on our payroll at NMS.  Carolyn assured him he was.  His health declined rapidly after his 72nd birthday on February 12.  He passed away at home on Friday February 23, 2024.