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All Music Guide:
Kevin Mahogany's sudden prominence in the mid-'90s was a relief to many who felt that male jazz singers under the age of 60 were non-existent. His swinging style is reminiscent, but not derivative of, Joe Williams. Mahogany played piano, clarinet, and various saxophones while growing up before deciding to specialize in singing. He attended Baker University in Kansas and sang locally in some R&B groups. In the early '90s, Mahogany dedicated himself to jazz and, after two fine albums for Enja, he signed with Warner Bros. for LPs including 1997's Another Time Another Place and 1998's My Romance. In addition, he has recorded as a guest on dates by Elvin Jones and arranger Frank Mantooth. In fall 2000, Portrait of Kevin Mahogany was released.
Wikipedia:
Kevin Mahogany (born July 30, 1958, in Kansas City, Missouri) is an American jazz vocalist who became prominent in the 1990s. He is known for his scat singing, and his singing style has been compared with jazz singers Joe Williams and Johnny Hartman.
Early years
Kevin Mahogany began his study of music as a child with piano and later learned to play the clarinet and baritone saxophone, performing with jazz bands and teaching music while still in high school. "When I was a kid, music was just as important as English and math in our household" says Mahogany. "In fact piano lessons were a grade school staple for the whole family." Mahogany attended Baker University, where he performed with both instrumental and vocal ensembles and formed a vocal jazz group. In 1981, Mahogany received his BFA in Music and English Drama.
Performing
After graduation, he returned to Kansas City where he attracted a local following in the 1980s performing with his groups, "The Apollos" and "Mahogany." In 1991, he was featured on a CD by Frank Mantooth.
His first CD release as a solo artist was Double Rainbow in 1993. This was followed by the self-titled album Kevin Mahogany, which won him his first critical acclaim in the media, prompting Newsweek to call Mahogany "the standout jazz vocalist of his generation."
Mahogany appeared in Robert Altman's 1996 film Kansas City, playing a character said to be based on Kansas City singer Big Joe Turner.
Kevin Mahogany lists his vocal influences as Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, Al Jarreau and Eddie Jefferson. As a jazz educator, Mahogany has taught at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and the University of Miami.
