Ken Fobs Finds His Voice
Kenneth Fobs, 67, has embraced his passion for jazz performance later in life, evolving from someone who was “always too afraid to sing in public” to a confident performer who has “pretty much gotten over it.” His advice to older adults considering a foray into performing? “Get up the nerve … go ahead and enjoy yourself.” As he prepares for his third solo show at the Epiphany Center for the Arts on October 19th, Kenneth’s journey illustrates the possibilities that arise when one pursues their passion at any age.
How did you get to your current chapter of being a vocalist?
Kenneth’s journey into performing began later in life. Growing up in Hyde Park, he lived above a jazz trio that practiced regularly, allowing him to hear Mr. McAfee and the group through the floor. However, he was always too afraid to sing in public, confining his vocal expressions to private moments.
After serving six years in the military, Kenneth transitioned into computer security sales. A pivotal moment came when a woman he was dating took him to see Messenger Past Midnight: The Marvin Gaye Story at ETA Theater. The combination of live music and storytelling ignited his passion for theater. He began taking classes, fell in love with the craft, and eventually left his job to pursue theater full-time.
After spending about six or seven years in New York, he returned to Chicago to care for his ailing mother. In 2003, he met Mark Burnell, his piano player, while searching for musicians for a church show. Their collaboration has lasted nearly 30 years. Initially performing at open mics and small shows, Kenneth’s career took a turn two and a half years ago when he joined the Chicago Cabaret Professionals group. After submitting songs for their emerging artists showcase in 2024, he was shocked to win.
Who were the artists that most inspired your style?
Kenneth’s musical influences are diverse, spanning from Frank Sinatra and Joe Williams to Shirley Horn, Ella Fitzgerald, King Pleasure, and Lou Rawls. While he enjoys a variety of music, including Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, he has a particular fondness for older jazz.
For his warm-up routine, he often listens to Frank Sinatra’s “Live at the Sands,” directed by Quincy Jones with the Count Basie band. This album, recommended by his brother, helps him focus on breathing, phrasing, enunciation, and storytelling.
To Kenneth, music is fundamentally about storytelling. He emphasizes understanding the narrative of a song and conveying that to the audience, ensuring they grasp the story rather than merely getting lost in the rhythm. He also credits local influences, including friends from theater and classmates like Joan Collazo, who participated in high school talent shows.
What are some of your favorite songs to perform?
Kenneth doesn’t have a single favorite song; his repertoire is extensive. Some of his preferred pieces include “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and several tunes by Nina Simone. He particularly enjoys King Pleasure’s “Moody’s Mood for Love.”
His repertoire mainly features songs from the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s. While he can recall the lyrics, he sometimes forgets the original artists due to the numerous covers. He attributes his knack for memorizing lyrics to his father, who, according to his mother, knew the lyrics to every song, even though Kenneth never heard him sing.
How has the industry evolved during your career?
Although Kenneth feels he doesn’t yet have a full-fledged career in music, he views singing as a cherished pastime. He currently works full-time at the YWCA as a Job Developer, assisting individuals in finding employment through government-funded workforce programs. With over a decade in workforce development, he often encourages job seekers to pursue their passions rather than just chasing quick money.
Reflecting on his own journey, Kenneth realizes he has been advising others to follow their dreams while not fully embracing his own. He expresses a desire to sing full-time, envisioning it as a fulfilling pursuit, especially during the cold Chicago winters.
What does aging with attitude mean to you?
For Kenneth, aging with attitude is about seizing the moment. “This isn’t a rehearsal; life is short,” he reminds himself before every performance. “Let’s just go do this because this might be the last time.”
He encourages others to have fun with their pursuits. When asked who he thinks he is when he performs, he simply replies, “I’m Kenneth. My mother would say, ‘I’m Kenneth.’”
Is there music in you? Check out Senior Planet’s monthly Songwriting Night! Details are here.
Photo: West Loop Entertainment and Epiphany Center for the Arts – The Sanctuary
NaBeela Washington, an emerging Black writer, holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor’s in Visual Advertising from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has been published in Eater, The Cincinnati Review, and others. Learn more at nabeelawashington.com.
Kenneth Fobs, 67, has embraced his passion for jazz performance later in life, evolving from someone who was “always too afraid to sing in public” to a confident performer who has “pretty much gotten over it.” His advice to older adults considering a foray into performing? “Get up the nerve … go ahead and enjoy yourself.” As he prepares for his third solo show at the Epiphany Center for the Arts on October 19th, Kenneth’s journey illustrates the possibilities that arise when one pursues their passion at any age.
How did you get to your current chapter of being a vocalist?
Kenneth’s journey into performing began later in life. Growing up in Hyde Park, he lived above a jazz trio that practiced regularly, allowing him to hear Mr. McAfee and the group through the floor. However, he was always too afraid to sing in public, confining his vocal expressions to private moments.
After serving six years in the military, Kenneth transitioned into computer security sales. A pivotal moment came when a woman he was dating took him to see Messenger Past Midnight: The Marvin Gaye Story at ETA Theater. The combination of live music and storytelling ignited his passion for theater. He began taking classes, fell in love with the craft, and eventually left his job to pursue theater full-time.
After spending about six or seven years in New York, he returned to Chicago to care for his ailing mother. In 2003, he met Mark Burnell, his piano player, while searching for musicians for a church show. Their collaboration has lasted nearly 30 years. Initially performing at open mics and small shows, Kenneth’s career took a turn two and a half years ago when he joined the Chicago Cabaret Professionals group. After submitting songs for their emerging artists showcase in 2024, he was shocked to win.
Who were the artists that most inspired your style?
Kenneth’s musical influences are diverse, spanning from Frank Sinatra and Joe Williams to Shirley Horn, Ella Fitzgerald, King Pleasure, and Lou Rawls. While he enjoys a variety of music, including Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson, he has a particular fondness for older jazz.
For his warm-up routine, he often listens to Frank Sinatra’s “Live at the Sands,” directed by Quincy Jones with the Count Basie band. This album, recommended by his brother, helps him focus on breathing, phrasing, enunciation, and storytelling.
To Kenneth, music is fundamentally about storytelling. He emphasizes understanding the narrative of a song and conveying that to the audience, ensuring they grasp the story rather than merely getting lost in the rhythm. He also credits local influences, including friends from theater and classmates like Joan Collazo, who participated in high school talent shows.
What are some of your favorite songs to perform?
Kenneth doesn’t have a single favorite song; his repertoire is extensive. Some of his preferred pieces include “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and several tunes by Nina Simone. He particularly enjoys King Pleasure’s “Moody’s Mood for Love.”
His repertoire mainly features songs from the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s. While he can recall the lyrics, he sometimes forgets the original artists due to the numerous covers. He attributes his knack for memorizing lyrics to his father, who, according to his mother, knew the lyrics to every song, even though Kenneth never heard him sing.
How has the industry evolved during your career?
Although Kenneth feels he doesn’t yet have a full-fledged career in music, he views singing as a cherished pastime. He currently works full-time at the YWCA as a Job Developer, assisting individuals in finding employment through government-funded workforce programs. With over a decade in workforce development, he often encourages job seekers to pursue their passions rather than just chasing quick money.
Reflecting on his own journey, Kenneth realizes he has been advising others to follow their dreams while not fully embracing his own. He expresses a desire to sing full-time, envisioning it as a fulfilling pursuit, especially during the cold Chicago winters.
What does aging with attitude mean to you?
For Kenneth, aging with attitude is about seizing the moment. “This isn’t a rehearsal; life is short,” he reminds himself before every performance. “Let’s just go do this because this might be the last time.”
He encourages others to have fun with their pursuits. When asked who he thinks he is when he performs, he simply replies, “I’m Kenneth. My mother would say, ‘I’m Kenneth.’”
Is there music in you? Check out Senior Planet’s monthly Songwriting Night! Details are here.
Photo: West Loop Entertainment and Epiphany Center for the Arts – The Sanctuary
NaBeela Washington, an emerging Black writer, holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor’s in Visual Advertising from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has been published in Eater, The Cincinnati Review, and others. Learn more at nabeelawashington.com.
