User talk:Kenny Wiley

Kenneth Lain Wiley Jr. is a native of Prescott, Arkansas, born on October 21,1982. His parents are Kenneth and Darlene Wiley. Kenny (for short) Wiley is a multi-talented musician and makes music from a wide variety of instruments.

Wiley's passion for music began as a young child. He played songs that he new from heart on the piano. As years passed, he discovered there were many more instruments other than the piano. In 1994, Wiley went to 6th grade and started beginner band were he recieved to highest music test score. The band was now under the new direction of Mr. Jonathan Kelly as of that year. From there Wiley's life was pointed toward a new direction.

Wiley started playing his saxophone in church with a debut of Greensleeves (What Child is This?) during the annual Christmas program. He was eager to learn every song and master the art of being a church musician. Many other church programs gave rise to the local pheonom's publicity.

He was soon entered into the statewide competition known as Arkansas Talent Search. One performance at a preliminary audition led to his participation in the finals held at the Robinson Auditorium on November 9, 1998. Wiley finished 2nd performing the song "Knocks Me Off My Feet", by Stevie Wonder by way of Donell Jones. The first place prize for the competition was a chance at the World Famous Apollo Amateur Night in Harlem, New York City. The 1st place winners were unable to accept the earnings of the competition in which was passed down to the 2nd place winner.

Wiley graciously accepted the offer of a chance to perform at the Apollo Amateur Night and 8 months after the Arkansas Talent Search, he and his parents traveled to The Big Apple. Wiley was very entertained by the house band of the Apollo known as Ray Chew and the Crew. This opportunity gave Wiley the chance to hear Stevie Wonder's version of the background music. He again placed 2nd out of 4 with a chance to come back.

Though he was not able to return to NYC for another chance, he continues to make music in a hope to bring light around the globe with a gifted touch.