User:Garrison177/sandbox/ Kendrik McKinney

 Kendrik McKinney (born 1995) is an American pianist, organist, rhodesest, percussionist and composer.

Life and Career
McKinney was born in Yukon, Oklahoma. Born into a household of music, Kendrik studied classical piano until the age of twelve. While attending Yukon High School, he studied at the Brown school of music where he learned pretty much everything he knows. During this period Prince, D'Angelo, Oscar Peterson, Red Garland, and Nickelback were prime influences. As a young teenager, McKinney began gigging heavily around the OKC area.

McKinney moved to Edmond, OK in 2014 to attend a jazz program under the leadership of Brian Gorrell at The University of Central Oklahoma. During college he studied piano with Dennis Borycki and Lee Rucker. While still a freshman, Matt Stansberry invited McKinney to accompany him in a ten piece Memphis soul band. Thus begins a year long battle with the notorious "Big Dick Dave", ending with Kendrik finding himself victorious, securing his position with the band. While still a college student, he embarked on a nationwide tour with Matt Stansberry & The Romance and continues to work with the group today.