Kevin King on Steps

Kevin King performs, writes, promotes, and teaches so everyone can experience live music.



Kevin’s passion for live music began at age 14 with the start of his first band, Ma’s Boys, in his hometown of Sioux Falls, SD, and he’s been a professional musician ever since. He plays acoustic, electric, and 12 string guitars; he plays ukulele; and he sings both lead and back-up vocals. Today, Kevin lives in Des Moines, Iowa, where he plays with a variety of popular local groups, including the band for which he is most well-known: Hot-Rod Chevy Kevy.

Hot Rod -Chevy Kevy is recognized nationwide for their own performances, including a tribute to the Blues Brothers, as well as for playing with some of rock & roll’s greatest acts. Kevin has had the honor of playing guitar with Lou Christie, The Crystals, The Drifters, Leslie Gore, Denny Lane, Tommy Roe, Del Shannon, and Bobby Vee. A memorable gig for Kevin was when he played with Chuck Berry in front of 30,000 people at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Using a simple formula of vintage rock & roll, great musicianship and a large dose of fun, Hot Rod-Chevy Kevy remains one of the most successful roots rock and show bands in the country.

Kevin is an inductee in Iowa and South Dakota Rock and Roll Halls of Fame for his involvement with Hot Rod-Chevy Kevy, Ma’s Boys, the Upson-Downs, and Something New.

Kevin’s original songs, which crossover from rock to alternative to contemporary Christian in style, have been performed live, recorded, and played on radio stations across the midwest. When he’s not playing live himself, Kevin promotes bands for private, community and corporate events. He also teaches adults and kids to appreciate music through learning the guitar and the ukulele.

Check out the new Hot Rod-Chevy Kevy album out now!

 

 

Contact Kevin

A professional musician since the early 1970s, Kevin King has traveled across the United States and Canada, and he’s played with some of rock and roll’s greatest acts, including Chuck Berry, Lou Christie, Bobby Vee, Tommy Roe, Del Shannon, Little Anthony, Leslie Gore, Freddy Cannon, The Coasters, The Drifters, The Shirelles, The Crystals, Dickie Lee, Brian Hyland and many more. 
Recent recognition of his talent includes:
2013 - inducted into the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame with Hot Rod - Chevy Kevy
2013 - inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Ma’s Boys
2012 - inducted into the South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Something New
2010 - inducted into the Iowa Rock’n Roll Hall of Fame with the Upson Downs
Kevin’s musical talent was noted early. By the time he reached 6th grade in Plainview, NE, he was already playing in the high school concert band. But it was the guitar that really caught Kevin’s interest, and when he moved to Sioux Falls, SD at age 13, he focused his energy on  at age 13 when he moved to Sioux Falls, SD.  This is where he began his music career playing in a band called Ma’s Boys during high school and college. 
Kevin went on the road in 1972 with a Los Angeles band called The Closer Ties. After about 18 months, Kevin started a trio called George and they soon joined the Las Vegas style show band, the Upson Downs. In 1976 Kevin started Kings and Clowns, and after a few years in the Twin Cities, he moved to Okobiji, IA to rejoin the Upson Downs as their guitar player and music director.
In 1981, Kevin returned to Sioux Falls and started Hot Rod-Chevy Kevy with Rod Jerke. During the 19 years they had the band together, Hot Rod-Chevy Kevy played over 3000 gigs all over the US and Canada. The group headlined many shows on their own, but another large part of their work was being the band for many of the 50s and 60s artists who were touring around the country. They performed in many major venues and some of the most well-known ballrooms, including Walt Disney World in Florida, numerous state and county fairs, and the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, IA. One highlight was in 1986 when Hot Rod-Chevy Kevy played with Chuck Berry in front of 30,000 people at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN. Hot Rod-Chevy Kevy formally disbanded in 2000, but they still do occasional reunion gigs.
Currently, Kevin lives in Des Moines, IA, where he spends his musician time divided among the roles of Director of Music at Zion Lutheran Church, singer, song writer, guitar player, guitar teacher, and board member with the Iowa Rock and Roll Music AssociationA professional musician since the early 1970s, Kevin King has traveled across the United States and Canada, and he’s played with some of rock and roll’s greatest acts, including Chuck Berry, Lou Christie, Bobby Vee, Tommy Roe, Del Shannon, Little Anthony, Leslie Gore, Freddy Cannon, The Coasters, The Drifters, The Shirelles, The Crystals, Dickie Lee, Brian Hyland and many more

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