Kenny Vernon

Active since the late 1950s, country legend Kenny Vernon is a singer-songwriter and guitar player often associated with the Bakersfield country music scene and the birth of early country-rock. 

 

Kenny met Merle Haggard during the early 1960s and the two developed a close friendship. Kenny performed as a member of Haggard's band, The Strangers until Haggard was forced to retire from performing in early 2016 due to illness. 

 

As a child, Kenny was inspired by his older brother Roy, who hosted a country music radio show in Jackson, Tennessee. It was not uncommon for touring artists to drop in at the Vernon’s home, often playing impromptu sessions in the house or yard. During the late 1950s, Kenny began performing and writing songs as a regional act. Kenny later relocated to California during the early 1960s, where he honed his craft as a professional performer and bandleader. Kenny's primary band on the West Coast was called The Boondockers. 

 

Kenny participated in the early country-rock music scene, recording with members of The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers.