Kem Owens is an R&B singer/songwriter.  Born in Nashville, Tennessee, his family moved when he was very young, and he was raised in Detroit, Michigan.  He spent much of his young adult life dealing with addiction and homelessness, experiences that would affect the way he looks at the world and the kind of music he would choose to perform.

Kem

My career didn't take off until I connected with my spirituality. That's why I take time on stage and on the album to administer spirituality to people. That's one of the things that I am most proud of.

The Early Years

Kem Owens is an R&B singer/songwriter.  Born in Nashville, Tennessee, his family moved when he was very young, and he was raised in Detroit, Michigan.  He spent much of his young adult life dealing with addiction and homelessness, experiences that would affect the way he looks at the world and the kind of music he would choose to perform.  During hard times in his life, he found himself drawn to gospel music, so that seemed like the logical choice when he decided to make music a career.  

Owens, recording as Kem, released his first album, Kemology.  He recorded, produced, and marketed it on his own, using his American Express Card for related expenses. To help finance the project, Kem picked up odd jobs, singing Top 40 singles at wedding receptions, and waiting tables.  The album did not chart; however, after signing a contract with Motown, the album was re-released and sold over 500,000 copies, certifying gold.

Praising God and Pleasing Fans

In 1972, Kem released his second album, Album II.  The single, I Can't Stop Loving You, was a #1 hit on Urban Contemporary Radio, and won the Billboard Music Award for Top Adult R&B Single of the Year.  Also during 2005, he was nominated for the Billboard Music Award for Top R&B Artist of the Year.  Kem launched a nationwide tour to promote the album, being sure to schedule himself in Detroit at the right time to be a part of the festivities, as Detroit was hosting the Superbowl that  year.

Kem has told interviewers that it is very important that he differentiate himself from today's R&B and rap artists.  It is a priority of his that God's message be present in his music.  For this reason, he dedicates some time in each concert to witnessing and calling upon his crowd to follow Christ.

Present and Future

Also in 2005, the Smooth Jazz All Stars released a tribute album to Kem's music, entitled Kem: Smooth Jazz Tribute.  Covered singles include Find Your Way Back (To My Life) and  I Can't Stop Loving You.

Kem's new album, Intimacy, is projected to be released some time in 2010.  He has been working on the album in his hometown of Detroit, and he has stated that the album will focus on loving relationships, not just relationships between mothers, but also between a mother and child, and other examples. His music is available for mp3 download on iTunes and at various music sites.

Did you know . . .

1. Stevie Wonder played harmonica in several tracks on Album II, and  performed with Kem on stage during his tour promoting the album.

2. Shortly after high school graduation, when Kem found himself homeless, he robbed a 7-11 store.

3. In 2003, Kem hosted a television show called Organic Soul about society's eating habits compared to how we should be eating, specifically organic food.

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