By Ryan Gerace
High-energy and world class showmanship are just a few of the great things you could associate with long time Philadelphia and South Jersey musical entertainer, Kenny Jeremiah. You may know him from listening to 92.1 WVLT up in the Vineland area or you may have already experienced his electric performances firsthand in Atlantic City. However, what some people might not know is that Kenny Jeremiah has been in the music industry and a pioneer of “The Sound of Philadelphia” for well over 50 years.
One of the original founders and lead singers of The Soul Survivors band back in 1964, Kenny Jeremiah achieved great success on the top charts with hits such as “Expressway to Your Heart” and “Explosion in My Soul”. Before creating this iconic band with Richie and Charlie Ingui, Kenny worked at a bank in Philadelphia back in the 1960s while he performed on the side. His boss and colleagues would often tease him for trying to make it as a musician by telling Jeremiah that it was an impossible dream to achieve. May 1st in 1966 is when Kenny Jeremiah walked up his boss and told him he was quitting to become a musician full-time. He called up Charlie and Richie Ingui, who then also quit their respective jobs permitting the legendary band, The Soul Survivors, to be formed on that fateful day.
The Soul Survivors pioneered The Sound of Philadelphia movement back in the 60s with their horn-driven and funky sounds that went on to become immensely popular in the 60s and 70s all around the world.
“In June 1967, after we had a number one hit in New York, I went back to the bank that I used to work for and went right to my old boss to open an account for our number one record” said Jeremiah, who thoroughly enjoyed seeing the baffled expression on his former boss’s face.
Since the beginning, Kenny Jeremiah has always had a passion for showmanship. When he was 13, he saw little Richard in concert and was inspired by his incredible and outlandish performances. He believes that getting the audience to react and become engaged in his music and performances is the best part about his job. When you see a Kenny Jeremiah performance, you’re not just getting a great singer, but a showman who knows how to work the stage.
“This isn’t a job to me”, explained Jeremiah in an earlierinterview, “I wake up every morning and thank God for allowing me to do what I love.”
In October of 2017, Kenny Jeremiah and The Soul Survivors were honored by receiving a star on the Philadelphia Walk of Fame along with other artists such as Patti LaBelle. Their star is located right in front of the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia.
Kenny Jeremiah’s musical range was very broad. He enjoyeed performing almost every musical genre there is. He enjoyed performing the classic hits from Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Andrea Bocelli to more modern hits like songs from Enrique Iglesias and other Top 40 artists. Jeremiah strived to make sure his audiences have the best time at his shows and loved getting feedback from them. Definitely check out his amazing performances on YouTube. Kenny Jeremiah will be missed greatly. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.
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2 THOUGHTS TO “SHORE LOCAL TALENT: KENNY JEREMIAH, SOUTH JERSEY’S RESIDENT SOULMAN”
- Kenny Jeremiah April 18, 2019 at 1:24 pmMy Sincere Thanks & Compliments To Ryan Gerace For An Excellent Article.. This Is One Of The Very Few Articles I Did Not Have To Call The Author & Correct Something That Was Totally Wrong.. Those Who Have Had Articles Written About Them Know Of Which I Speak.. I Asked Ryan If He Had Recorded Our Interview Because It Was Spot On He Said “No I Just Listened ” Amen..
Once Again Thank You Ryan Gerace..
Kenny Jeremiah - Donna DiToro Conte April 18, 2019 at 10:00 pmThe Incomparable Talent That This Special Entertainer Owns Is A Gift of Excitement & Happiness That He Will Always Give To His Audience…And We Will Always Know He Was There.
KENNY JEREMIAH……Absolutely One of a Kind.
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