Myles Kennedy
Myles Kennedy – Life, Career, and Musical Vision
Discover the life, musical journey, and artistry of Myles Kennedy (born November 27, 1969), the powerful vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter known for his work with Alter Bridge, Slash, and his solo projects.
Introduction
Myles Richard Bass, professionally known as Myles Kennedy, is an American singer, guitarist, and songwriter who has become a prominent presence in modern rock. Born November 27, 1969, he is best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Alter Bridge, as well as the frontman for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators.
Beyond those roles, he also pursues solo material and contributes as a session musician, showcasing a wide vocal range, technical guitar skills, and deeply personal lyrics.
Early Life & Musical Roots
Myles Kennedy was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but he spent much of his formative years in Northern Idaho and Spokane, Washington.
His birth name was Myles Richard Bass, but after his father passed away when Kennedy was about four, his mother married a Methodist minister. The family adopted the surname Kennedy.
As a child, he grew up in a Christian Science household on a farm.
From a young age, music was central to his life. He began playing trumpet at age 10, and in his teens he formed a local “air guitar” band with friends before trading in for a real guitar. Jimmy Page and absorbing influences from Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and others in his parents’ record collection.
Kennedy attended Mead High School in Spokane, where he participated in jazz band (guitar) and played trumpet in the school’s marching band. Spokane Falls Community College to study music theory.
Musical Career & Achievements
Early Bands: Cosmic Dust, Citizen Swing, The Mayfield Four
Kennedy’s first notable band was Cosmic Dust, a jazz-fusion ensemble. Their album Journey came out around 1991.
He then co-founded Citizen Swing, where he combined elements of funk, soul, rock, and jazz. They released two studio albums — Cure Me with the Groove (1993) and Deep Down (1995).
In 1995, Kennedy formed The Mayfield Four with longtime collaborators (Zia Uddin, Craig Johnson, others). He took on lead vocals and guitar. Over the ensuing years, they released Fallout (1998) and Second Skin (2001) before disbanding in 2002.
Joining Alter Bridge & Rise to Prominence
In late 2003, guitarist Mark Tremonti (of Creed) reached out to Kennedy to audition as vocalist for a new project. Kennedy joined and Alter Bridge was formally formed in early 2004 with Tremonti, drummer Scott Phillips, and bassist Brian Marshall.
Alter Bridge released their debut album, One Day Remains, in 2004. Over time, Kennedy expanded his role: in addition to vocals, he began contributing rhythm guitar and lead guitar parts.
The band continued to release albums: Blackbird, AB III, Fortress, The Last Hero, Walk the Sky, Pawns & Kings, among others.
Kennedy also became the primary lyricist for the band. His lyrics often wrestle with faith, doubt, perseverance, and internal conflict. AB III, in particular, is widely seen as one of his most personal works, exploring his spiritual and emotional journey.
Collaboration with Slash & Solo Projects
Kennedy’s association with Slash began around 2009. He contributed vocals and co-writing to Slash’s solo record, including “Starlight” and “Back from Cali.”
He officially became vocalist for Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators, and together they released several albums: Apocalyptic Love, World on Fire, Living the Dream, and 4.
On the solo side, Kennedy released his debut solo album Year of the Tiger in 2018. The Ides of March, came out in 2021.
Most recently, he released The Art of Letting Go (October 2024), a riff-driven, emotionally resonant solo record exploring themes he felt couldn’t be fully expressed through his band projects.
His discography is broad: many studio, live, and collaboration albums across his various endeavors.
Style, Influences & Artistic Identity
Kennedy is celebrated for his vocal range (often noted as tenor with a span of many octaves), his dynamic control, emotional delivery, and ability to shift from delicate to powerful.
Musically, he blends elements of hard rock, alternative metal, blues, jazz, and soul.
His songwriting often centers on introspection, spirituality, struggle, redemption, and the tension of holding belief while doubting. These themes resonate in many Alter Bridge and solo works.
In interviews, he has described his approach to music as a balance between structure and spontaneity—using disciplined craft but remaining open to emotional impulse.
He also values authenticity: as his official site puts it, “Do the best you can… you’ve got a gift, and use it.”
Personal Life & Values
Kennedy has been married to Selena Frank since 2003. Spokane, Washington.
He was raised with Christian beliefs but over time has described himself in more agnostic terms. Kerrang! piece, he remarked that he places himself somewhere between being atheist and Christian, skeptical of organized religion but reflective about belief.
Kennedy also suffers from tinnitus (a persistent ringing in the ears), which he has acknowledged as a challenge but one he manages while continuing to perform.
He co-founded the Future Song Foundation, which gives opportunities for musical instruction and access to instruments for students, especially in underserved communities.
Selected Quotes & Insights
While Kennedy is seldom quoted in soundbite form, a few statements and ideas capture his artistic mindset:
“I’ve realized you don’t need to prove yourself to anyone but you. Do the best you can, remember you’ve got a gift, and use it. … be free, and enjoy every moment.” — quoted on his official “About” page in 2024
From his lyrical and interview themes, one sees recurring ideas of freedom, self-acceptance, inner conflict, and using adversity as fuel.
Lessons from Myles Kennedy’s Journey
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Versatility and persistence
Kennedy’s success across multiple bands and solo work shows adaptability and a long-term commitment to craft. -
Balancing humility and ambition
He doesn’t seek to dominate; rather, his voice supports and uplifts compositions, all while pushing himself to improve. -
Honesty in art
By tackling doubt, faith, pain, and healing in his songs, he models emotional transparency in a domain often dominated by bravado. -
Craft matters
His technical skills—vocals, guitar, songwriting—are grounded in rigorous learning (jazz theory, instrumental practice) rather than only instinct. -
Giving back
Through foundation work and community engagement, he shows that talent gains purpose when shared.
Conclusion
Myles Kennedy stands as one of contemporary rock’s most compelling voices: a musician who blends precision with passion, grit with grace. His journey—from small-town beginnings to stadium stages—demonstrates how integrity, talent, and introspection can elevate both art and impact.