Kenneth Richardson’s Ease with Keys

Cape May is filled with hidden gems. Its relaxed, beachy outward appearance is humble–but don’t be fooled. We have many talented and impressive players along our coast. One player, pianist Kenneth Richardson, has made some significant sonic waves throughout his career. The tides of his musical journey eventually docked him in Cape May, as the resident pianist at the Ebbitt Room in The Virginia Hotel. 

Before Kenneth performed in some of Cape May’s most distinguished establishments, he was performing alongside some of the most distinguished musicians of all time. He has played with universally acclaimed icons Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Kenny Rogers, and countless more. Such star company is a well-earned honor considering how far back his dedication to music goes.

Kenneth was born in Panama but grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He was introduced to music through his mother, also a pianist, with whom he attended lessons weekly. Kenneth’s mother recognized his natural skill early on and began his piano studies at age five, then classical pipe organ by nine. His development included becoming well versed in brass instruments such as trombone, trumpet, baritone horn, and tuba.

Kenneth’s training continued as he attended the prestigious performing arts LaGuardia High School, which has taught many renowned performers such as Jennifer Aniston, Nicki Minaj, and Timothée Chalamet. He went on to The New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music, also in New York. Studying in the creative epicenter of the country, taught by some of the most esteemed musicians in the field, surely bodes for a successful future. And shortly after Kenneth graduated, a unique opportunity opened many doors.

While Kenneth was working in a recording studio in New York City post-graduation, a close acquaintance of Stevie Wonder was impressed by his work. The acquaintance put Kenneth in touch with Stevie Wonder, one of Kenneth’s biggest inspirations, and a friendship developed. This was monumental; at age 12, he had met Stevie at a show in New York. To later reconnect seemed like kismet.

Shortly thereafter, Kenneth recalls that legendary Michael Jackson inadvertently did him a major favor—you might need to read that again. Michael Jackson was going on tour and took some of Stevie Wonder’s keyboard players with him, leaving Stevie a few hands short. Stevie had Kenneth’s number. So Stevie called him. 

“It was a totally last-minute thing. But it opened an entirely new world to me, and at the end of it, I got calls within days to go on tour with others. So, I didn’t even get a chance to unpack,” remembers Kenneth. He went on to play with prominent and influential artists Prince, Queen Latifa, and Hugh Masekela. 

One might wonder how Cape May ever became graced with Kenneth’s talent.

His connection to Cape May stemmed from his wife, who studied at New York’s The Juilliard School. Her teacher, Myra Vassian, works for Cape Resorts and reached out to Kenneth to cover an evening at Congress Hall. 

“I’ve been back and forth between Cape May and Sag Harbor ever since,” Kenneth said. “When the previous piano player at the Ebbitt Room was transitioning away, I was asked if I’d be interested in taking on the position. I agreed and have been working there for almost seven years.”

Kenneth fondly reflects on his time at the Ebbitt Room. “I have made very special friends here and a very close work family. I have met all kinds of amazing people, various politicians, and celebrities.” 

Kenneth named some of his musical heroes that have inspired his work. “I was fortunate enough to work with some of my big inspirations like Stevie Wonder, Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock, Bud Powell, my piano teacher Dr. Barry Harris, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Bill Evans, and the great Ray Chew. I love all styles; when I find things, I learn from them and enjoy them all.” 

Among life’s many mysteries, it is perplexing how even the most driven and ambitious individuals can be randomly afflicted with misfortune that could prevent them from doing what they love. Only two years ago, Kenneth endured such adversity from a life-threatening car accident on the Garden State Parkway.

Because of the severity of the accident and the injuries he sustained, there was much uncertainty about what abilities he would or wouldn’t regain, a prominent concern being his ability to play music again. “My friends have begun to call me Ironman,” Kenneth said. “My entire face had to be rebuilt. I have steel plates all around my face to hold me together and a cage to house my right eye to give it somewhere to sit.” 

During this precarious time, Kenneth remembers, “One day when I was home during my recovery I was walking past my pianos and went over to sit down. My family was watching me. I said, ‘let’s see if there is anything left.’ At first, I stumbled a little, then I closed my eyes and began to play. As I was playing, I opened my eyes and with my left eye I could see my family crying. I stopped and said, ‘I think we have something we can work with.’ I can honestly say that I haven’t lost any of my facilities when I play, and I still read my music with the good eye.”

Kenneth’s story demonstrates courage, resilience, and devotion to his craft. It sounds like playing music is the best form of medicine for his condition. “One of the unfortunate drawbacks of having gone through this is that I live in constant pain,” he said. “The only time I don’t feel pain is when I am playing and making music. So, I try to make music as much as I can for as long as I can.”

When he’s not at the Ebbitt Room, Kenneth is a piano substitute on Broadway and still gets calls to play concerts with various artists. His performances are a testament to both his perseverance and passion for making music, and despite his pain and plight, his playing appears effortless.