Gordon Kennedy has written and played with Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, Eric Clapton, Kenny Loggins, Reba McEntire, Michael McDonald, Leanne Rimes, Bruce Hornsby, Little Big Town and Shedaisy, among others.
Albums:
- Skaggs/Hornsby – resonator guitar
Instruments:
- resonator guitar
Gordon Kennedy bio
Early life and musical influences
Gordon Kennedy, son of legendary guitarist Jerry Kennedy and singer Linda Brannon, grew up surrounded by music. He was influenced early on by his parentsand exposure to diverse music through his father’s work at Mercury Records. His love for guitars and storytelling shaped his journey into becoming one of Nashville’s beloved musicians.
Rise to fame
Gordon first gained recognition as a member of the Christian rock band White Heart in the 1980s. He later became an acclaimed songwriter and producer, winning multiple Grammy Awards. His most notable achievement is co-writing the hit song “Change the World,” recorded by Eric Clapton, which won a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1996.
Notable collaborations
Kennedy’s songwriting and producing talents have led him to work with music legends such as Garth Brooks, Peter Frampton, and Ricky Skaggs. He co-wrote numerous hits for Garth Brooks, including songs for the “Chris Gaines” project. He has also collaborated with Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, Faith Hill, and many other prominent artists.
Touring and performing
In addition to his songwriting, Kennedy is a guitarist, touring with artists like Garth Brooks and performing with Reba McEntire and Michael McDonald. His current projects include Seals and Crofts 2 and The Petty Junkies, a Tom Petty cover band.
Academic contributions
A Belmont University alumnus, Kennedy has been actively involved with his alma mater. He serves on the Belmont University Advisory Board and frequently mentors students. His dedication to education and the music community earned him the Curb College’s Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence in 2014.