KENNY KITCHING

 

Kenneth James Kitching, born in Auburn, NSW in 1932, is a talented steel guitarist and dobro player. In the early 60s, he was the resident steel guitar player for the TV series Country Style with the LeGarde Twins on Channel 7. In the 70s, Ken played at the Texas Tavern in Kings Cross with Nev Nicholls and the Playboys, where he met American jazz steel guitarist Buddy Emmons, who was touring with Roger Miller. Kenny purchased a double-neck 10 Emmons pedal steel guitar from Buddy. 

Around this time, he recorded over 250 tracks for various artists. He was also a permanent band member on the national TV show Travlin’ Out West with host John Williamson, regulars Ricky & Tammy, and his future wife Emma Hannah. In 1974, he released his first single on the Apogee label, ''Here Comes the Dobro / Hands of Steel'', both his own compositions. In 1978, he traveled to Nashville to record the album 'Sydney To Nashville', released on US label Mid-Land Records. In 1985, he released 'In The Hawaiian Mood', an album filled with Hawaiian melodies close to his heart. A renowned dobro (lap steel resonator guitar) player, he contributed to countless Australian recordings, enjoyed a 19-year recording association with Slim Dusty, and worked with artists including Johnny Ashcroft, Buddy Williams, Smoky Dawson, Judy Stone, Tex Morton, Jade Hurley, The Barry Sisters, Rex Dallas, Singing Kettles, Rick & Thel, and the Webb Bros.

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SINGLES
''Here Comes The Dobro / Hands Of Steel'' 1974 Apogee

ALBUMS
'In The Hawaiian Mood' 1985 Nicholls N' Dimes Records
'Country's Best' [with Norm Bodkin] 1989 Hadley Records