I know A LOT of the people in Atlanta who are out of touch with actual history of urban music business and entertainment may think to themselves when they see the Kenny Burns Grey Goose commercial, see him on the billboards, hear his voice on the radio, see his ads in the magazine, etc. etc: Who is this guy?
Living in Atlanta for the most part of the past two years, I've seen Kenny Burns, heard about Kenny Burns, been to some Kenny Burns events, seen the Kenny Burns billboard on Piedmont Rd. in Buckhead; I've talked to Kenny Burns, partied with Kenny Burns at the Club Reign, etc.... But I've never asked myself, WHO IS KENNY BURNS!??... And when I say "Who is Kenny Burns?" I'm referring to his history in this music industry, but that has been MY bad! I should have done MY homework a long time ago...
Considering I got my start in college party promotions and simultaneously becoming a college representative for music labels, Trill Entertainment and Atlantic Record, and I'm on my way to becoming a top level music business executive, you would think I would know who the heck is Kenny Burns.. Well, I didn't!... and I really didn't find out until I watched his short documentary recently.. We (those of us in entertainment who got our start in promotions and aspire to be top level executives at labels one day) do homework, research and study the moves of those who came before us who we aspire to follow in their footsteps... We know who the Kevin Liles are, the Lyor Cohens, the Sylvia Rhones, Julia Greenwalds, Puff Daddys, Russell Simmons, Mike Kysers, Steve Stoutes, etc, etc... Kenny Burns some how fell through the cracks with me, because recently I've learned THIS MAN is a bit of a legend in these ATL streets...
I'm not sure exactly WHY Kenny Burns stepped down from music business (he mentions some reasons why in his documentary), but I respect this man because he is a testament of allowing his work to speak for itself... Kenny Burns is humble in everything that he does.. He worked HARD for all of his accomplishments and successes.. He is some what of an underdog, STILL to this day because people of my generation are really unaware of his contributions to the music business during his time of attending Morehouse College with the college tour concerts and his work as A&R for Def Jam... I have a new found respect for this man. He has mastered the art of reinvention. Some how he's been able to maintain a relevancy in the entertainment business after all of his ups and downs.. His brand is still hot! Kenny Burns IS the lifestyle specialist. He's learned how to transform with the times in a somewhat smooth, effortless transition.. It all just works for him. In no particular order, He was a college party promoter, managed promotional campaigns for labels, was a Def Jam A&R, managed a platinum selling girl pop group, co-created one of the hottest fashion male brands in American Hip Hop culture, is a radio personality, hosts some of the hottest events in Atlanta, Miami, etc. and has been and still is the brand ambassador for some of the tastiest liquors and spirits.... Kudos to YOU Kenny Burns! You have officially inspired me.... #TakingNotes
-J.Couture
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