By Glen Roethel

A star has fallen, a really bright one. We lost Kenny Edwards last Wednesday, August 18, 2010. Sure, there are lots of stars to admire. Back in 1974 I decided I wanted to be one. I sang all the time, and once I’d learned a little guitar I would play every good song I could figure out from the radio. I was determined and confident that if I stuck with it I would succeed. It took me thirty years to shake out my inner “rock star” and shine a little light on a higher purpose for my musical dream – to give, rather than just to get. I began to appreciate the gifts of time and experience…and then I met Kenny.

Who is Kenny Edwards, you ask? An original member of the Stone Poneys, the great band from which Linda Ronstadt later emerged, Kenny is often credited with the creation of Ronstadt’s sound. He also brought tasty guitar magic to Bryndle — a singing and songwriting supergroup that also included Wendy Waldman, Andrew Gold, and Karla Bonoff — he toured the world, often as the consummate backup ace, produced great records for other artists, wrote and scored films and teleplays such as Miami Vice, Crime Story, The Street, The Secret Sins of the Father, and others, and recorded two solo CDs of his own, the latest titled Resurrection Road.

But when I met Kenny at Summersongs, a songwriting and performance camp near Woodstock, NY, he wasn’t flaunting his daunting credits; he was giving his time and attention to others, with a graceful, kind and gentle smile and a zest for fun and play. He was a guitarist’s guitarist, a performer who had enough experience to know what mattered, what was fluff, and how to squeeze beautiful music out of six little strings. His alternate tunings, deft arrangements and creative navigation around the fretboard often challenged me when I’d try to noodle along in a friendly song circle. But Kenny would smile that trademark smile of his and encourage me to play. He was so easy to be around.

So with this little tribute I memorialize Kenny Edwards, cherish the sweet moment of time he shared with me on this earth, and thank him for the gifts of his music and generous spirit. Peace, Kenny. I wonder if I’ll see you on Resurrection Road. Until then, I’ll be listening for you in the warm summer wind.

Information about a public memorial service for Kenny Edwards appears below:

Kenneth Michael Edwards
February 10, 1946 – August 18, 2010

Memorial
Sunday, August 29th 2010 at 2 PM

Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, CA — at the amphitheater (just beyond Godrick Grove)

Directions: Take 101 to the Las Positas exit and head west on Las Positas.
There’s a small brown “Elings Park” sign on the right just before the entrance on the left. Go left on Jerry Harwin Parkway into the park. Head uphill and turn left on a small road called George Bliss Drive. Look for signs that say “Memorial.”

If you are able to attend and would like to let the organizers know for planning purposes, please send an email to leslie@merical.net.