L.A. transplant releases three-CD set
By Shawn Guy-Pitts
For the St. Louis American
For a man who never thought he would leave the streets of Los Angeles, Kevin Burroughs Neeley (KBN) has solidified a much-deserved spot in the local St. Louis gospel music scene. With his diverse repertoire of musical talents, KBN recently released a triple-disc project with instrumental, worship and inspirational music, all singing praises to God.
“My music is to teach, bring peace, and draw people closer to one another,” KBN said.
His musical career began in the church. At the age of three, KBN played his first music by ear and by 10 began playing the piano for Sunday school and youth choir.
In 1978, he started Kevin’s Cleaning and Maintenance, a janitorial service that served convenient stores and corporate facilities in the Los Angeles area. The business allowed KBN to fund his lifelong dream of making music.
KBN served as an evangelist for the Church on Wheels for two and a half years in Los Angeles, mainly in the Skid Row area. He has also melodiously ministered all across the nation at Madison Square Garden, prisons, youth detention centers, college campuses, high schools, parks and in the streets.
“Although, it is true that the church needs musical uplifting, it is the people outside of the church that really need the help,” KBN said.
In 1982, he obtained a ministry ordination certificate from Charles Mason Bible Seminary, and in 1983 he became a licensed and ordained minister.
KBN has been a musical blessing to audiences through television as well. He has been a musical guest artist for Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), BET and KCOP-TV Channel 13 News in Los Angeles. In 1993, he received an Angels Award for best televised children’s video.
KBN is a former member of Crenshaw Christian Center in Los Angeles, Frederick K.C. Price, pastor. In this environment, KBN pioneered and participated in various worship services, church functions and Bible classes.
From 1990 until 1995, he utilized his production skills as the minister of music for the Christian Entertainers Fellowship of Los Angeles. He has provided audio mixing and concert sound for Smokey Robinson, Tramaine Hawkins, Vickie Winans, Andre Couch, Natalie Cole, Jamie Foxx, Stevie Wonder, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Peabo Bryson and the Kurt Carr Singers.
In September 1995, KBN relocated to St. Louis where he and his family attend the St. Louis Christian Center pastored by the Reverend Alfred D. Harvey Jr. In seven years, KBN transformed the church’s musical department from a small group to include eighty members, seven praise teams, a full band and a choir. KBN also cultivates the department by training and developing upcoming audio technicians.
On October 9, 2005, at the Fabulous Fox Theatre, KBN struck a high note with the release of The Trinity Project, three discs that include Love One Another (Inspirational), Fingers of Fire (Instrumental) and Perfect Praise Vol. III (Praise and Worship). His musical style possesses a jazzy, contemporary, fluid, multi-cultural sound that reverberates in any atmosphere.
“God gave me a charge, and now I feel like I have completed a birth of 25 years of work,” KBN said. “I want my music to reach the secular and bring them into the presence of the Lord.”
KBN will perform live December 16 at the Creve Coeur Starbucks, 11464 Olive, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. The Trinity Project is available at local bookstores or online at www.kbnmusic.com.
